Leeds Bradford Airport teams up with University of Sheffield on 'green jet fuel' trial
The government is backing the £1.5m project - which could pave the way for greener flights
Last updated 1st Oct 2025
A £1.5m government backed trial looking into 'green' jet fuel has been launched at Leeds Bradford Airport.
Led by the University of Sheffield, it will look into the feasibility of making a type of fuel called SAF at the airstrip, from renewable power and carbon captured from the air.
Lasting eight months, the study will explore how the fuel could be deployed at scale in jets departing the Yorkshire airport.
Professor Piers Forster, former Chair of the Climate Change Committee and Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures at the University of Leeds, said:
“Aviation is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise… current sustainable aviation fuels are made from waste fat or energy crops."
"They are not considered a long-term solution, as making our own would use more than 50% of UK farmland, which we need to grow our food.
"Instead, we will make a technological leap forward - generating fuels directly from renewable electricity, in a so-called "power to liquid approach.”
Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We’re incredibly proud that LBA will be working in partnership with the team at the University of Sheffield on this groundbreaking project."
"This initiative will strengthen our shared goal of accelerating the UK’s efforts to meet its net-zero emissions targets by 2050.
"Investment in decarbonising aviation will benefit not only our local community but also contribute to the broader national effort towards sustainable air travel and a greener future. We can’t wait to get started.”
Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian OBE, Managing Director of the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre, which is leading the project, said:
“It is fantastic to see the University of Sheffield playing a leading role in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and supporting the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce its emissions."
"At Sheffield, we have some of the most advanced SAF research facilities in Europe and are excited to work with partners from the industry to help them test and develop new fuels and next-generation clean energy technologies.”