Firefly and Synagro partner to produce sustainable aviation fuel

Firefly Green Fuels and Synagro Technologies Inc. have announced a strategic alliance aimed at producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biosolids in North America. This partnership leverages Firefly’s innovative hydrothermal liquefaction process, which converts biosolids into biocrude and biochar, the former being upgraded into SAF.

James Hygate, CEO of Firefly Green Fuels, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, highlighting the increasing demand for SAF in North America. He noted that this partnership would facilitate rapid deployment of SAF production, creating new jobs and fostering sustainable fuel alternatives.

Bob Preston, CEO of Synagro, echoed this enthusiasm, describing the partnership as a pivotal step in advancing the circular economy by merging Synagro’s expertise in biosolid solutions with Firefly’s SAF technology.

Independent studies by Cranfield University indicate that Firefly’s SAF can achieve up to a 92% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil jet fuels, underscoring the environmental benefits of this initiative.

Kip Cleverley, Synagro’s chief sustainability officer, highlighted the aligned sustainability goals of both companies, predicting a substantial positive impact on the environment and future generations.

The first-of-its-kind facility is currently being built in Harwich, England, with plans to expand operations into North America, demonstrating the scalability and global potential of this technology.