Emirates becomes first international airline to join Solent Cluster as region looks to low-carbon fuels

The Solent Cluster, a cross-sector collaboration focused on decarbonising the region, has welcomed Emirates international airline to its ranks.

More than 100 organisations have now joined the cluster, including founding members Solent Partners (formerly Solent LEP), ExxonMobil (who operate a major refinery at Fawley, Hampshire) and the University of Southampton.

Together with manufacturers and engineering firms, logistics and infrastructure operators, and academic institutions, they’re working together to secure jobs and supply low-carbon fuels for the future.

Dr Lindsay-Marie Armstrong, academic lead for the Solent Industrial Decarbonisation Cluster at the University of Southampton, said: “The Solent is recognised as one of the leading contributors of CO₂ emissions from energy-intensive manufacturing processes every year.

“The formation of a decarbonisation cluster that spans the public, private and higher education sectors is a monumental step forward for the region.

“It will introduce sustainable fuels for local transportation, the aviation and the shipping sectors; create low carbon energy to heat homes, businesses and public buildings; and open up new highly skilled jobs opportunities.

“This can only be achieved by working together as a community, covering all sectors and ultimately working with the same desire to achieve a low carbon economic future for the Solent region.”

In joining the cluster, Emirates is keen to promote and secure UK-made sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Over the past year it’s made demonstration flights with both an A380 and Boeing 777 powered by 100 per cent SAF.

And The Solent Cluster has potential to supply as it explores a possible plant in Hampshire with an estimated annual production capacity of 200,000 tonnes of fuel.

If approved, the plant could begin operation in 2032, and the fuel it produces would avoid around 563 kilotons of CO₂ every year in emissions.

Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, added: “Emirates is proud to join like-minded organisations as part of The Solent Cluster initiative.

“The cluster has strong potential to power clean energy innovation and production and is another step forward in our journey towards long-term SAF adoption within our network.

“Alongside our fellow members, we look forward to contributing towards these efforts, while also seeing The Solent Cluster’s positive impact to the local economy, South East region, and wider industries.”

• thesolentcluster.com
• emirates.com

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