Tees Valley share first images of how a groundbreaking sustainable aviation fuel plant will look

Posted on 03 October 2023

The first images of how a groundbreaking sustainable aviation fuel plant will look have been released as its location was confirmed as Teesworks.

A planning application to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has now been submitted firing the starting gun on this fantastic project.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) and subsidiary Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK) Limited are developing proposals for a multi-million-pound refinery at Dorman Point.

Plans for the SAF plant were announced by the global aviation services group and aircraft leasing firm in July.

Newly released images forming part of the planning application show the scale of the plant.

WLFC has also announced it expects to have an option to lease additional land in Tees Valley for a potential second and larger refinery in the future.

The location for the commercial-scale facility makes Willis the latest major investor to select Teesworks.

The Power-to Liquid refinery will convert feedstocks derived from industrial waste CO2 and green hydrogen produced from renewable electricity into aircraft fuel.

The process is seen as a key way to deliver substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry.  

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Willis’ decision to select Teesworks as the location for its SAF plant is further evidence of the progress we are making to ensure our area is the first choice for global firms developing the cleaner, greener industries of tomorrow.

“This project will provide the highly skilled, well-paid jobs that I want to bring to Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington and is a further step in our area becoming the UK’s clean energy powerhouse.”

Teesworks Chairman Chris Musgrave OBE, said: “We’re delighted at this announcement by Willis Lease Finance Corporation, which will bring another global name to Teesworks.

“This innovative refinery is a great example of the sustainable industries of the future which we are bringing to Teesside and which will deliver jobs and investment for local people.

“We look forward to supporting the development and overall success of this major project.”

WLFC is separately progressing plans for a £25million maintenance facility and a state-of-the-art Jet Centre at Teesside International Airport's Aviation Village, with the investment set to bring a significant number of jobs to Teesside. 

The decision builds on the company’s growing relationship with Teesside International Airport where it has operated since 2019. 

The project aligns with the Tees Valley Net Zero strategy and the UK government’s Ten Point Plan, Build Back Greener, and Jet Zero strategies. It also combines with the development of a National Hydrogen Hub in Tees Valley.

Austin C. Willis, CEO of WLFC, said: “Our pioneering SAF project at Teesworks will directly support the global aviation industry’s ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

“We are proud to be continuing our legacy as a leader and innovator in aviation, being the first aviation leasing company to launch a SAF initiative of this type.”

The announcement comes as significant progress is made on other key Teesworks developments.

Steel is now being erected on the £450milllion SeAH Wind facility, which will be the world’s largest monopile manufacturing factory upon completion while work also continues on the nearby £109million South Bank Quay.

Planning permission was granted earlier this year for Circular Fuels’ £150million low carbon fuel-from-waste plant at Dorman Point.

Work to remediate the former Redcar Blast Furnace site in preparation for the £1.5billion Net Zero Teesside Power is now underway following the signing of an option-for-lease agreement by project partners bp and Equinor.

Work is also ongoing on the preparation for a park-and ride facility and construction of a mile-long link road at South Bank.

ENDS 

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF TEESWORKS

CONTACT: Ian McNeal on 07554 437890 or ian.mcneal@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk or Craig Peacock on 07936 462410 or craig.peacock@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk