The development of a process to manufacture fuel from air and water has taken a leap forward with the opening of a new technical centre at Bicester, Oxon.
The Royal Air Force is working with industry leaders Zero to research and develop synthetic fuel technology, which has the potential to eventually eliminate reliance on fossil fuels.
Dubbed Project MARTIN, the Rapid Capabilities Office is undertaking ground-breaking work with synthetic fuels, and current work to scale the production of synthetic fuel is a significant step towards net-zero aviation.
The process combines carbon captured directly from air, with hydrogen captured from water, to produce a synthetic fuel that is a direct replacement for fossil-derived hydrocarbons. It is entirely sustainable when using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. When burned the fuel emits exactly the same amount of carbon as is used in its production, creating a fully circular process that maintains the balance of the environment.
“I am delighted to see the RAF yet again playing a leading role in the pursuit of sustainability. By both finding and producing a viable alternative for fossil fuel, and in partnering with UK industry in a united effort to meet one of the great challenges of our time, the RAF is at the cutting edge.
This revolutionary breakthrough underscores the MOD’s commitment to addressing climate change issues whilst meeting our operational commitments and remaining agile in a world of evolving threats.”
Baroness Goldie
Defence Minister
The current phase of research and development will deliver a pilot-scale production plant at Bicester Heritage, producing enough fuel for accreditation as a ‘drop-in’ replacement fuel for nominated RAF aircraft, and potentially world-first net zero fast jet flights.
If successful, full-scale production could create tens of thousands of jobs and generate significant export revenue, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.
“With our partnership with Zero and the opening of their Plant Zero, we are proving the potential for synthetic fuel to play a major role in the Royal Air Force’s path to Net Zero by 2040. The potential to create fuel at scale in locations of our choosing offers advantages beyond climate sustainability. Independent and resilient fuel supplies will be key to future warfighting advantage and operational success.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff
“This sustainable aviation fuel could mark a step-change towards the RAF’s goal of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040. Although power generation using green technologies, such as hydrogen, are viable for many RAF platforms, high-performance aircraft require a liquid fuel alternative to maintain operational capabilities.”
Air Commodore Jez Holmes
Head of the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office
Synthetic fuels potentially burn more cleanly and consistently than fossil fuels, providing operational and logistical benefits, which will also be tested in this phase. As a result, fuel manufactured using this technology could eliminate fossil carbon emissions in flight, reduce the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains, and increasing operational resilience including by generating fuel in deployed locations.
