LanzaTech has revealed plans to develop a large-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility at Saltend Chemicals Park in Humberside, marking a major step forward for the UK’s low-carbon aviation ambitions.
Known as DRAGON II, the project represents an investment of around £600m and is designed to help decarbonise air travel while strengthening regional industrial growth.
A significant boost for UK sustainable aviation fuel supply
Once operational, DRAGON II is expected to produce approximately 80,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel annually – equivalent to around 1% of current UK jet fuel demand – alongside 8,000 tonnes of renewable diesel.
This output would make the facility one of the most significant contributors to the domestic SAF supply, supporting airlines as they seek alternatives to conventional fossil-based fuels.
The development is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, creating around 300 skilled jobs during the construction phase and a further 150 long-term operational roles once the plant is running.
Why Saltend Chemicals Park was chosen
Saltend Chemicals Park, owned by px Group and backed by Ara Partners, was selected following a comprehensive assessment of potential sites across the UK.
The location offers extensive industrial infrastructure, including utilities, deep-water jetty access, and a fully managed site services platform – all critical for large-scale sustainable aviation fuel production.
The park’s strategic focus on industrial decarbonisation, hydrogen development, and long-term sustainability aligns closely with the goals of the DRAGON II project.
Its position within an established energy and chemicals cluster also enables access to skilled labour, supply chains, and emerging carbon dioxide and hydrogen networks.
Advanced technology driving low-carbon aviation
DRAGON II forms part of LanzaTech’s wider DRAGON programme, which also includes DRAGON I in Port Talbot, South Wales.
Both facilities will use the LanzaJet Alcohol-to-Jet process, a proven technology that converts ethanol into drop-in sustainable aviation fuel.
LanzaTech plans to supply up to 50,000 tonnes of ethanol for the two projects using its gas fermentation technology.
This process captures waste carbon dioxide and combines it with green hydrogen to produce ethanol, which is then upgraded into a Power-to-Liquid (PtL) sustainable aviation fuel.
While the approach relies on access to cost-effective green hydrogen, it represents a powerful pathway for recycling carbon emissions into high-value fuels.
Strong government backing accelerates progress
UK Government support has played a key role in advancing the DRAGON projects. In July 2025, LanzaTech secured £6.4m from the Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund, helping to accelerate development timelines for both DRAGON I and DRAGON II.
Construction at the Saltend site is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027, with the facility expected to be fully operational by 2030.
The project is set to contribute directly to the UK’s net-zero targets, enhance national energy security, and reinforce the country’s position in the global sustainable aviation fuel market.
Positioning Humberside as a decarbonisation leader
Beyond fuel production, LanzaTech is exploring collaborations with local partners to maximise regional benefits.
By leveraging Humberside’s growing hydrogen capacity, CO₂ pipeline infrastructure, and industrial expertise, DRAGON II could help cement the region’s reputation as a hub for low-carbon innovation.
As aviation faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, investments like DRAGON II highlight how sustainable aviation fuel can deliver both environmental progress and long-term economic value for the UK.
