TWO TEESSIDE businesses have received significant funding boosts as part of plans to develop a world first plane powered by liquid hydrogen.

The FlyZero project, led by the Aerospace Technology Institute, has unveiled its concept for a mid-size aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen which could pave the way for zero carbon global travel.

It could fly 279 passengers halfway around the world without a stop or anywhere in the world with just one stop to refuel.

The two firms from the region were announced as winners of Government’s Green Fuels, Green Skies competition to develop sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production plants in the UK.

Alfanar Energy was awarded £2,417,500 to take forward its lighthouse green fuels project on Teesside, which will convert household and commercial waste into 180million litres of SAF and liquid hydrocarbon naptha.

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Nova Pangaea Technologies, based on Redcar’s Wilton International, has also been awarded £484,201 for its partnership with British Airways and LanzaJet for a feasibility study into the design of a facility producing more than 100million litres of SAF per year from woody residues integrating technology developed by Nova Pangaea and LanzaJet.

Neil Guilder from Nova Pangaea said: “Our success in winning Green Fuels Green Skies and in subsequently delivering Project Speedbird has provided a great catalyst for our company to collaborate with IAG (British Airways) and the Alcohol to Jet technologist Lanzajet.

"Our patented process converts low value wastes from forestry and agriculture into highly valuable products such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Biochar.

"This is great news for the region as we work collaboratively towards the production of the first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the UK.”

Tees Valley Mayor Houchen welcomed the new scheme and hopes the funding will help revolutionise Teesside Airport.

"I want our airport to be the first hydrogen ready airport in the UK and we’ve already been chosen to host a number for hydrogen trials.

"Here in Teesside we’re leading the way on hydrogen as a future fuel for transport and home heating, now we’re at the forefront of developing hydrogen as the next zero carbon fuel for large wide body aircraft.”

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