Nova Pangaea completes SAF trials, targets first commercial plant

Nova Pangaea Technologies has completed endurance trials of its waste biomass technology, marking a step towards establishing its first commercial-scale plant for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Teesside-based company successfully operated production runs of up to 72 hours at its demonstration plant, surpassing yield targets.

The trials processed up to three tonnes of softwood residues daily, advancing from smaller-scale tests conducted in early 2025. Nova Pangaea's technology converts waste biomass, including wood chips and sawdust, into ethanol, which can be further processed into SAF and renewable diesel. The REFNOVA process also generates biochar, contributing to carbon capture and positioning the technology as capable of producing carbon-negative fuel.

The aviation industry is under pressure to increase SAF production and diversify feedstocks. Current SAF production heavily relies on used cooking oil, which may not suffice as blending requirements rise. UK and EU regulations mandate an increase in SAF usage by airlines from 2% to potentially 70% by 2050. Nova Pangaea suggests waste biomass as an alternative feedstock, with IATA estimating potential production of 30 million tonnes of SAF from European and UK waste biomass by 2030.

Nova Pangaea collaborates with British Airways and LanzaJet on Project Speedbird, a UK government-backed initiative to develop carbon-negative aviation fuel from domestic waste biomass. The company plans to build four UK facilities to produce bioethanol for SAF conversion.

Chief Executive Stewart Stewart expressed confidence that the trials will bolster investor trust as the company progresses towards its commercial plant. Nova Pangaea has secured over £21 million from investors, including International Airlines Group, PXN Ventures, and Mercia Ventures, along with UK government support through the Advanced Fuels Fund.