Bristol Airport study explores nuclear derived sustainable aviation fuel

Bristol Airport (BRS) has completed a feasibility study exploring the large scale production of nuclear derived sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen to support the airport’s long term decarbonisation strategy.

The research was undertaken in partnership with Equilibrion, with support from Q8Aviation and Exolum. The study assessed how sustainable fuels could be produced in the South West region to help meet future demand for low carbon aviation fuel.

The findings indicate that Small Modular Nuclear Reactors could potentially be deployed in the region to generate both sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen. These fuels could support aircraft operations as well as ground activities at the airport as it works to reduce emissions across its operations.

The work forms part of Equilibrion’s Eq.flight project, which has also received support from the Department for Transport. The project aims to develop long term low carbon fuel solutions for the aviation sector.

According to the study, the technology could reduce emissions associated with flights from Bristol Airport by up to 29% by 2035 if implemented at scale.

The project was funded through the airport’s Airport Carbon Transition programme, a strategic initiative designed to accelerate decarbonisation across aviation and transport activities connected to the airport.

Hannah Pollard, Head of Sustainability at Bristol Airport, said the research highlights the importance of developing reliable and scalable sustainable fuel supply.

“Sustainable aviation fuel will play a critical role in decarbonising aviation globally, but we need to ensure there is a reliable and affordable supply,” Pollard said.

Dr Phil Rogers, Director at Equilibrion, added that producing sustainable fuel close to where it will be used could create significant regional benefits.

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