Wedoany.com Report on Mar 10th, A feasibility study shows that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the South West could be used to produce significant quantities of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen, potentially meeting the energy needs for future flights and ground operations at Bristol Airport in the UK. This study, conducted by Equilibrion with support from Q8Aviation and pipeline operator Exolum, was funded through the Airport Carbon Transition (ACT) programme.
The report indicates that SMRs located in the South West could provide the electricity and process heat required for electrolytic hydrogen production and the synthesis of nuclear-derived SAF. It is estimated that by 2035, this approach could reduce emissions from flights to and from Bristol Airport by approximately 29%. Project proponents believe this plan could provide a stable, low-carbon source of fuel and hydrogen, aiding the decarbonisation of airport operations and certain aircraft types.
Production pathways for Sustainable Aviation Fuel are gaining industry attention. SMRs, promoted as a flexible, low-cost form of nuclear energy, can be deployed closer to demand centres. However, nuclear-derived fuels face controversy, with critics pointing to issues such as high upfront capital costs, regulatory hurdles, radioactive waste management, and public acceptance. Integrating SMRs with chemical synthesis plants also requires long-term planning and construction.
Other competitive SAF production pathways are also under development, including bio-derived SAF and electro-synthetic fuels using renewable electricity. The cost, emissions, and scalability of nuclear-driven SAF will be key factors in determining its viability.
Hannah Pollard, Head of Sustainability at Bristol Airport, stated: "Sustainable Aviation Fuel will play a crucial role in the global decarbonisation of aviation, but we need to ensure there is a reliable and affordable supply. Equilibrion's groundbreaking report demonstrates the significant potential of nuclear-derived SAF." Phil Rogers, Director of Equilibrion, added: "We are delighted to collaborate with Bristol Airport through the ACT programme, supporting its sustainable growth and emissions reduction plans. Eq.flight offers a unique opportunity to produce low-carbon fuels near where they are used."
Tim Barrow, Business Development Manager for North West Europe at Exolum, noted: "Developing new sources of Sustainable Aviation Fuel requires matching them with the infrastructure capable of supporting them. Reliable logistics play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of SAF." This study provides a new perspective for the aviation industry to explore low-carbon energy solutions.
