Zero Petroleum founder urges industry to scale up SAF support

Paddy Lowe, founder and chief executive of UK-based Zero Petroleum, has urged airlines and governments to show greater commitment to scaling up the sustainable aviation fuel market. Speaking to FlightGlobal, Lowe expressed frustration at the slow pace of development and called on the industry to take more risks, drawing on his background in Formula 1.

The company is developing a synthetic sustainable aviation fuel, or eSAF, made from captured carbon dioxide and green hydrogen. Zero Petroleum says the fuel is indistinguishable from fossil-based jet fuel. It is working to certify the fuel for use as a 100% replacement.

Lowe said the technology has made good progress but needs more support and confidence. He described a culture of risk aversion in the sector. Progress, he argued, requires action rather than endless planning, comparing it to the approach in motorsport.

Zero Petroleum recently announced it has developed and validated the chemistry to synthesise what it describes as a true 100% replica of Jet A-1. Certification of the fuel could allow an aircraft to fly entirely on sustainable, fossil-free fuel without compromising performance, range or safety, according to the company.