A feasibility study has concluded that small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) could be used to produce large volumes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen in the South West, potentially supplying Bristol Airport’s future energy needs for both flights and ground operations.
The study was carried out by Equilibrion with support from Q8Aviation and pipeline operator Exolum, and was funded via Bristol Airport’s Airport Carbon Transition (ACT) programme. Equilibrion’s technology programme, dubbed Eq.flight, has also received separate funding from the Department for Transport.
According to the report, SMRs sited in the South West could generate the electricity and process heat required to drive electrolysis for hydrogen production and to power synthesis routes for nuclear-derived SAF. Equilibrion estimates the approach could reduce emissions from flights operating to and from Bristol Airport by about 29% by 2035, relative to current baselines.
Project backers say the scheme would provide a steady, low‑carbon source of fuel and hydrogen to support decarbonisation of airport operations and some aircraft types. The ACT programme at Bristol Airport was created to accelerate decarbonisation projects and to support the development and trial of technologies intended to reduce aviation emissions.
The proposal follows growing industry interest in alternative SAF production pathways and in low‑carbon hydrogen as a fuel for ground operations and future aircraft. SMRs have been promoted as a flexible, lower-cost form of nuclear power that can be deployed closer to demand centres than large reactors.
However, nuclear-derived fuels remain contentious. Critics point to high upfront capital costs, regulatory hurdles, radioactive waste management and public acceptance as significant barriers. Integrating SMRs with chemical synthesis plants would also require regulatory approvals, grid and off‑grid planning, and long lead times for planning and construction.
There are also competing SAF production routes under development, including bio‑derived SAF, electro‑synthetic fuels using renewable electricity and power-to-liquid pathways. The relative cost, lifecycle emissions and scalability of nuclear-driven SAF versus these alternatives will be key to determining viability.
Hannah Pollard, head of sustainability for Bristol Airport, said: “Sustainable Aviation Fuel will play a critical role in decarbonising aviation globally, but we need to ensure that there is a reliable, affordable supply. Equilibrion’s ground-breaking report shows the huge potential that nuclear-derived SAF offers.
“With our region’s nuclear pedigree and available sites, the South West is well-positioned to host SMRs and lead the development of this exciting technology.”
Phil Rogers, director at Equilibrion, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Bristol Airport through the ACT programme to support its sustainable growth and emissions reduction plans. Eq.flight provides a unique opportunity to produce low-carbon fuels close to where they are used, creating jobs, investment, and local value. Our mission to decarbonise aviation using nuclear energy is advancing rapidly, and completion of this project is a major milestone.”
Tim Barrow, Exolum northwest Europe business development manager, said: “As work like the Eq.flight study shows, developing new sources of sustainable aviation fuel needs to be matched by the infrastructure that can support them. Reliable logistics play an important role in ensuring SAF can be moved safely and efficiently from production to airport as the market develops.”
Like what you’ve read? To receive New Civil Engineer’s daily and weekly newsletters click here.