Bristol Airport explores new pathway for sustainable fuel production

Bristol Airport has completed a feasibility study with Equilibrion on the potential production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen using nuclear energy. The study looked at how small modular reactors could be used to produce low-carbon fuels to support aviation decarbonisation.

The analysis focused on the technical and economic viability of producing these fuels locally, with the aim of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the transition to cleaner aviation. It also explored how such production could integrate with existing airport infrastructure and future energy needs.

The project demonstrated how the region could meet Bristol Airport’s growing demand for sustainable fuels for both flight and ground operations, as the output from the work found that Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) could be based in the South West and used to generate both SAF and hydrogen.

Bristol Airport sees the project as an important step in understanding alternative fuel pathways and supporting innovation in the sector.

More details are available in the airport’s official press release.