Exolum to supply SAF to Heathrow

Spanish-based storage company Exolum is to pipe sustainable aviation fuel to London Heathrow Airport in the UK.

Exolum has existing long-term agreements with Jet A1 fuel marketers to supply jet fuel to Heathrow, and Ignacio Casajús López, North West Europe lead for the group, says that the SAF supply developments are part of this. Using pipelines avoids the need for road or rail transport, further saving carbon emissions.

SAF can be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel, is safe for all aircraft and requires no infrastructure changes. Casajús says that SAF is an ‘important element’ in reducing emissions, and supplying it to Heathrow will be a ‘significant step’ towards the UK government meeting its Jet Zero aviation ambitions.

‘The pandemic has had a significant impact on air travel, but its importance in the movement of passengers – and freight –around the world will undoubtedly lead a resurgence of jet-powered travel as restrictions ease. The wider use of SAF will help to reduce the environmental damage until even cleaner alternatives are available. To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, Exolum are investigating receiving, blending, storing SAF in-house and transporting SAF to all major pipelines,’ says Casajús.

He adds: ‘Exolum recognises that while decarbonisation and emissions reduction are necessary, society will be dependent on oil products for many years to come. We are keen to support our customers on delivering potentially high-growth products such as SAF and non-oil-based products.’

Exolum was formerly known as CLH Group until March 2021, when it rebranded as part of efforts to focus on diversification, decarbonisation, the energy transition, digitalisation and sustainability.

Source: Tank Storage Magazine