Firefly on the BBC

Earlier in December, a film crew from BBC Points West visited the Firefly Labs in South Gloucestershire to capture the fascinating process of converting sewage sludge into a clean and efficient energy source using hydrothermal liquefaction.

Firefly Green Fuels, a pioneering green energy start-up, has been making waves with its revolutionary route to SAF (Sustainable aviation fuel).

The team of dedicated chemists at Firefly’s lab are turning sewage, typically viewed as a burden on the environment, into a valuable resource that could potentially revolutionize the aviation industry.

The process at the heart of this transformation is hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). This production method involves subjecting organic materials, such as sewage, to high temperature and pressure in the presence of water.

The result is the breakdown of complex organic compounds into a liquid, rich in hydrocarbons—a precursor to sustainable aviation fuel.

The crew from BBC Points West were fascinated to observe the Firefly team at work and worked with the team to capture the intricate steps involved in turning what was once considered waste into a clean and renewable energy source.

Dr. Sergio Lima, lead chemist at Firefly Labs, explained the significance of their work saying. “This [process] is completely new and completely biogenic. What we’re doing here is to produce a fuel which is net-zero.”

The implications of Firefly Labs’ research extend far beyond waste management. With the aviation industry working hard to reduce its carbon emissions, SAF has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional jet fuel.

The South Gloucestershire-based lab’s approach provides a double benefit: minimizing the environmental impact of sewage disposal while contributing to a cleaner, greener aviation future.

To view the article and short video on the BBC website, follow the links below:

Gloucestershire firm making jet fuel entirely from human poo – BBC News

Firm develops jet fuel made entirely from human poo – BBC News