Exolum Invests in UK's First Independent SAF Blending Facility
- Exolum invests £4.5 million in the UK's first independent SAF blending facility at Redcliffe Bay.
- The facility will be operational from 2026, supporting up to 64,741 flights annually.
- SAF will be delivered to Bristol's Royal Portbury Dock, then transported and blended at Redcliffe Bay.
- Infrastructure upgrades include converting storage tanks and installing SAF blending systems.
Investment and Facility Details
Exolum is investing £4.5 million to establish the UK's first independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending facility at Redcliffe Bay, south-west England. This facility is part of a broader plan to create a UK-wide network of SAF blending hubs.
Operational Timeline
The Redcliffe Bay facility is expected to be operational by 2026. It aims to support the greening of up to 64,741 flights annually, enhancing the UK's position in sustainable aviation.
SAF Supply Chain
Unblended SAF will be delivered by ships to Bristol's Royal Portbury Dock and then transported via pipeline to Redcliffe Bay. There, it will be blended with conventional aviation fuel to create a ready-to-use 'drop-in' fuel, which will be distributed through Exolum's national pipeline system.
Infrastructure Upgrades
The project includes converting existing aviation fuel storage tanks to handle SAF and installing state-of-the-art blending infrastructure. Additional modifications involve new pumps, filtration systems, and segregation valves to facilitate SAF circulation and integration into the pipeline network.
Source: Exolum