Emirates joins The Solent Cluster to support SAF production in UK

Emirates announced that it has joined UK initiative ‘The Solent Cluster’ to support production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to help decarbonise the aviation sector.

The Solent Cluster is focused on low carbon investments established to reduce CO2 emissions from industry, transport and households in the South Coast of England.

The cluster, with more than 100 members, is a cross-sector collaboration of international organisations, including manufacturers and engineering companies, regional businesses and industries, leading logistics and infrastructure operators and academic institutions.

The cluster has the potential to create sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant with an estimated fuel production capacity of 200,000 tonnes (200 kt) per year.

If approved, the plant could start operating in 2032 and supply SAF through the existing pipeline networks to major airports served by Emirates such as Heathrow and Gatwick.

Emirates’ long-term aspiration to secure UK-produced SAF with The Solent Cluster is in addition to several SAF initiatives the airline has announced over the last year.

The airline also uplifted SAF for the first time at its hub in Dubai for commercial flights in October 2023.

“Emirates is proud to join like-minded organisations as part of The Solent Cluster Initiative. The Cluster has strong potential to power clean energy innovation and production and is another step forward in our journey towards long-term SAF adoption within our network. Alongside our fellow members, we look forward to contributing towards these efforts, while also seeing The Solent Cluster’s positive impact to the local economy, Southeast region, and wider industries,” said Sir Tim Clark, president, Emirates Airlines.