Key takeaways
35%
SAF content in fuel blend
4M
litres delivered
25%
carbon savings in operational flights
- First-time use in routine military operations
- RAF Lossiemouth's Typhoon and Poseidon submarine hunters flying on SAF
- Updated MOD standards allow up to 50% sustainable sources in fuel
Since 2023, Mace has been working on a groundbreaking project as the Commercial Lead for the Defence Support Fuels Team under the Operational Energy Authority (OEA) which marks the first-time use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in routine military operations, establishing a new standard for sustainability in defence.
RAF Lossiemouth, home to Typhoon and Poseidon submarine hunters, saw the delivery of approximately 4,000,000 litres of SAF-blended F-35 aviation fuel. This blend, comprising 35% SAF content, was transported from Inverness Oil Fuel Depot to RAF Lossiemouth through pipelines, achieving an estimated 25% carbon savings across operational flights.
Through collaboration with the RAF, Mace worked with its contacts at key suppliers within the OEA Framework Global Bulk Fuels Services to explore possibilities and strategies to meet the client’s needs. Mace played a crucial role in providing essential information that supported the business case for procuring SAF, aligning with the RAF's objective of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040.
The joint efforts of Mace and the RAF closely aligned with the Department for Transport (DfT) Jet Zero Strategy. This strategy aimed to increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to help reduce carbon emissions in UK and RAF aviation.
The success of the initial tender and delivery of the capability led to Mace’s further collaboration with the RAF in a follow-on tender in 2024 for an additional 5,150,000 litres of SAF-blended fuel.
This project not only enhanced operational capability but also significantly contributed to climate change and sustainability initiatives. The Ministry of Defence's 2020 updates to aviation fuel standards, which permitted up to 50% sustainable sources in fuel mixes, further highlighted the significance of this initiative.
Mace's expertise and innovation were instrumental to overcoming challenges and delivering this pioneering project, showcasing what a strong commitment to sustainability and excellence in defence operations can achieve.
