HiiROC receives funding from Scotland for SAF

HiiROC, a UK-based innovator in clean hydrogen production, has received grant support from Scotland’s national economic agency, Scottish Enterprise, towards a project that could transform the aviation industry, it says.

The funding will be used towards a comprehensive feasibility study aimed at developing a low-power, negative carbon Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) business in Scotland.

The feasibility study, conducted by HiiROC’s wholly owned Scottish subsidiary Zeleno Ltd, in collaboration with Stratus Energy Partners, will explore the potential of Thermal Plasma Reforming (TPR) technology to produce SAF at a fraction of the cost and electricity requirement and with lower overall carbon intensity compared to existing pathways.

The study will include physical technology trials and detailed assessments of levelised cost, GHG lifecycle assessment, feedstock supply chains and potential off takers, laying the foundation for a robust business plan to attract further capital investment.

Thermal Plasma Reforming builds on HiiROC’s proven Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE) process, which produces low-carbon hydrogen and solid carbon without emitting carbon dioxide. This groundbreaking approach has the potential to revolutionise SAF production by significantly reducing costs, energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it a game-changer for an industry struggling with the cost and scalability of power-to-liquids (PtL) SAF.

“We are excited to embark on this journey with the support of Scottish Enterprise,” said Tim Davies, CEO of HiiROC. “This feasibility study is a critical step towards realising our vision of a sustainable, low-carbon future for aviation. By leveraging Scotland’s unique renewable energy resources, we aim to create a scalable and economically viable SAF production business that will contribute to the country’s energy security and economic growth.”

The project has garnered interest from key stakeholders, including Airbus, Agile Energy, Xelerated Fifty, Forth Green Freeport and World Kinect, who have all expressed their support for the study.

The successful completion of the feasibility study will inform the development of a full-scale SAF production plant in Scotland, with the potential to generate significant employment opportunities and economic benefits for the region.

Founded in 2019, HiiROC has development facilities in Hull, commercial offices in the south of England, and a research lab in Europe. Investors include Centrica, Cemex Ventures, GKN, Hyundai/Kia and World Kinect.