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sAF ARticle
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) - Context
The RAF and wider Defence is moving into a new era of carbon reduction (CO2) in line with the UK Governments’ Net Zero 2040 commitment. Derived from plant based source material, technologically and commercially SAF is a “here and now” resource that can be used as part of the overall solution to enable the MoD drive down CO2 output – with current savings in the region of 70-80% emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Project Development
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not currently available at scale within the UK aviation industry and is even less well established across the government aviation sector. The RAF Northolt ASTRA Sprint Team (comprising of Sqn Ldr Finnimore, FS Gough, FS Boliver, Cpl Godfrey, SAC Halstead-Brooks) recognised the opportunity to conduct a sprint to develop a robust procurement process, examine the SAF Supply Chain and into-wing delivery procedures. The principal aim was to prove transition to SAF is feasible at a modern RAF Base.
Subsequently after 12 months of research into the procurement route and sustainability benefits, the team secured funding in Nov 21, with the Station latterly taking delivery of 50,000 Litres of blended SAF in Jan 22. The project was aligned with the final months of operation of 32 (TR) Sqn BAe 146 Aircraft.
Project Delivery and Next Steps
Ahead of the flying phase, fuel specialists from Tactical Supply Wing, 1 Expeditionary Logistic Squadron and A4 Fuels attended as observers and took samples to check the quality of the SAF prior to the initial ground engine run. This comprised of a Laser Particulate counter process, Freezing Point, Specific Gravity and water trace checks. This allowed these highly specialised personnel to gain exposure to this new fuel type and provide confidence in methodology and sampling techniques for future procurements.
To gain further experience with these new fuels and logistics factors, over the month of Feb 22, the BAe 146 flew 9 sorties using sustainable aviation fuel. In doing so, leveraging support from several Northolt based organisations (World Fuels, Babcock, SERCO) in addition to the many service personnel involved in the project. The total emissions savings from successful completion of this project are approximately 30 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide – approximately equivalent to 15% of the station’s entire electricity emissions for the entire year! Completion of this project and review of lessons will help other Stations build a pathway to use of sustainable fuels and provide a model for wider adoption across the MoD.
Future Initiatives and Astra Sprints
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Astra Team, Please contact Oliver.Brooks105@mod.gov.uk or craig.gough700@mod.gov.uk .
