A London-based renewables company said it will create “dozens of local jobs” with the opening of new plant near Londonderry developed in collaboration with NASA.
Renovare Fuels is investing £9 million in the plant which will focus on making advanced biofuel from the biogas produced from landfill.
The site in Craigmore is being developed in partnership with renewable energy operator B9 Energy Control and the fuel produced will be a direct replacement for diesel or petrol aviation fuel.
The company said dozens of jobs will be created during the construction process, as well as several long-term engineering positions.
Renovare Fuels will supply UK-based fuel distributors and multinational petrochemical and airline companies.
Matthew Stone, Chairman at Renovare Fuels, said he was delighted to be beginning operations in Northern Ireland.
“This crucial investment will ensure we play a leading role in creating a sustainable future for the transport sector,” he said. “As we work to meet our global climate goals, we have an exciting opportunity to scale up the UK’s production of renewable fuels, producing more than 1.8 million litres per year in Northern Ireland to support the industries that face the largest barriers to the net zero transition.”
Biofuels can support industries facing the largest barriers to net zero carbon, including the road haulage, maritime and aviation sectors. Developed in the United States, in collaboration with sister company T2C Energy; NASA; and the US Department of Energy, the greener fuel alternative can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97 per cent.
Ian Harvey, Founder at B9 Energy Control Limited, said the initiative paves the way for Northern Ireland to play an important role in supporting businesses transition to net-zero.
“The new operations in County Derry present an opportune moment to kickstart a sustainable fuels drive across the UK. We look forward to continuing to support this development in the new year.”
