Emirates teams up with Solent Cluster, a UK initiative focused on low-carbon investments
Emirates, the UAE-based national carrier, has become the first international airline to join The Solent Cluster, a UK initiative focused on low-carbon investments. The initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions especially from industry, transport, and households on the South Coast of England.
The Solent Cluster is a collaborative effort across various sectors, including manufacturers, engineering firms, regional businesses, logistics operators, and academic institutions. With over 100 members, the Cluster strives to spearhead initiatives focused on mitigating carbon emissions.
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
One of the key projects of The Solent Cluster is the creation of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant, which could start operating in 2032. Expected to have an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons of SAF, which would have at least 70% lower carbon footprint than conventional fossil kerosene.
Emirates’ decision to join The Solent Cluster certainly aligns with its long-term sustainability goals. The airline envisions collaborating closely with the Cluster to secure locally-produced SAF, thereby furthering its mission to adopt sustainable practices within its network. This move follows Emirates’ successful demonstration flights in 2023, where both A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft operated using 100% SAF.
Remarks
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airlines, expressed the airline’s support for the partnership, highlighting the potential of The Solent Cluster to drive clean energy innovation. He said: “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 on the local economy, Southeast region, and wider industries.”
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Furthermore, Dr. Lindsay-Marie Armstrong, associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Southampton, lauded the formation of The Solent Cluster as a pivotal step towards decarbonisation. She 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, aviation, and shipping sectors; create low-carbon energy to heat homes, businesses, and public buildings; and open up new highly skilled job 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.”
Decarbonisation Challenge
In conclusion, Emirates joins the founding members of The Solent Cluster, such as Solent Partners, ExxonMobil, and the University of Southampton. The Solent Cluster is one of the nine industrial clusters in the UK that are part of the Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge, a programme funded by the UK Research and Innovation. The programme aims to support the development of low-carbon industrial clusters by 2030 and at least one net-zero clusters by 2040.
