BA to Land Biofuel Plant in East London
British Airways (BA) has today announced its plans to establish Europe's first jet biofuel plant in east London.
The plant, built by Solena Group with BA committed to purchasing the plant's entire output, will produce 16 million gallons of jet biofuel per annum, more than twice the amount required to supply all of BA's flights from London City Airport.
East London is fast becoming the UK's Cleantech hub and Gateway to London is keen to introduce more projects of this calibre to the region. This world leading project will further embed London Thames Gateway as a centre of excellence for new green technologies, and London as a leading world city for carbon reduction.
Gateway to London has been working closely with the Greater London Authority to advise and assist the British Airways and Solena Group partners in their location decision, and will continue to advise on their short list of four sites.
John Williams, Chief Executive of Gateway to London, described the announcement "as a major step forward for the Cleantech revolution in London Thames Gateway."
He added, "With major initiatives like this, the proposed Green Enterprise District, the Thames Gateway Institute for Sustainability, and the focus on sustainability around the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, east London is taking the lead as a regional, national and global beacon for clean technologies, and sustainability in infrastructure, transport, community and industry. We are delighted that British Airways has announced its commitment to east London and look forward to continuing our work with them and Solena Group to finalise their site decision."
Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive of London City Airport, and Gateway to London Board Member said "This is indeed great news for east London, London City Airport and the future of sustainable transport. London City Airport welcomes British Airways' commitment to green fuels and I look forward to marking the departure of Europe's first green flight from our runway."
