Firefly Green Fuels Company Profile

Background

Overview

Firefly Green Fuels is a UK-based company specializing in the development and commercialization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from biosolids, primarily sewage sludge. Established in 2021, the company leverages over two decades of innovation in sustainable fuels, building upon the foundation of its predecessor, Green Fuels Limited. Firefly's mission is to combat climate change by transforming waste into truly sustainable fuel, thereby decarbonizing the aviation industry.

Mission and Vision

Firefly's mission is to decarbonize aviation and tackle climate change by converting waste materials into sustainable aviation fuel. The company's vision is to lead the transition to a low-carbon aviation sector by providing scalable and sustainable fuel solutions.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on the production of SAF from biosolids through an innovative process known as hydrothermal liquefaction. This method allows for the chemical conversion of sewage waste into biocrude and biochar, which are then upgraded into SAF and other biofuels.

Industry Significance

Firefly Green Fuels plays a pivotal role in the biofuel industry by addressing the challenges of feedstock availability and sustainability. Its unique approach to utilizing sewage sludge as a feedstock for SAF production offers a non-competing, abundant, and globally available resource, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable aviation fuel innovation.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Decarbonization of Aviation: To reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry by providing sustainable fuel alternatives.

• Scalability and Commercialization: To develop scalable SAF production facilities that can be replicated globally.

• Feedstock Diversification: To secure diverse and sustainable feedstock sources for biofuel production.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Hydrothermal Liquefaction Technology: Specializing in the conversion of biosolids into biocrude and biochar, which are then upgraded into SAF.

• Sustainable Fuel Production: Focusing on producing high-performance, low-carbon fuels for the aviation sector.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Hydrothermal Liquefaction: A proprietary process that chemically alters sewage waste into biocrude and biochar.

• Fuel Upgrading Processes: Technologies that refine biocrude into SAF and other biofuels.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Aviation Industry: Supplying SAF to airlines seeking to reduce their carbon emissions.

• Waste Management Sector: Collaborating with waste management companies to source biosolids for fuel production.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Firefly Green Fuels has secured significant funding to support its operations and expansion plans. In 2021, the company won a £2 million 'Green Fuels, Green Skies' research grant to develop its innovative route to SAF. Subsequently, Firefly received further financing from Builders Vision and secured a substantial investment from Wizz Air, which includes a 15-year offtake agreement.

Total Funds Raised

The exact total funds raised by Firefly Green Fuels are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

• Wizz Air: An ultra-low-cost airline that signed a significant offtake agreement with Firefly in 2023, valued at almost $1 billion over 15 years.

• Builders Vision: Provided further financing to support Firefly's growth and development.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended for the following purposes:

• Technology Development: Advancing the hydrothermal liquefaction process and fuel upgrading technologies.

• Facility Construction: Building and operating commercial-scale SAF production facilities.

• Market Expansion: Entering new markets, including North America and Latin America, through strategic partnerships.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): The primary product derived from biosolids through hydrothermal liquefaction.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

• Technology Validation: Firefly is engaged in the fuel qualification process, with independent analysis by Cranfield University showing a 92% CO2e saving compared to fossil jet fuel.

• Facility Construction: Work has begun on Firefly’s first commercial-scale facility, with plans to be in commercial operation by the end of the decade.

Target Conditions

• Sewage Sludge: Utilizing biosolids as a feedstock for SAF production.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• 2024: Partnership with Sanepar to secure feedstock in Brazil.

• 2024: Alliance with Synagro Technologies to expand into North America.

• 2025: Expected completion of the first commercial-scale facility.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Hydrothermal Liquefaction: A process that converts sewage waste into biocrude and biochar, which are then upgraded into SAF.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Fuel Upgrading Processes: Technologies that refine biocrude into SAF and other biofuels.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Currently, there is no publicly available information indicating the use of AI-driven capabilities in Firefly's operations.

Leadership Team

James Hygate OBE – Chief Executive Officer

James is the founder of Firefly Green Fuels and brings over 20 years of experience in the biofuels industry. He founded Green Fuels Limited in 2003, which has supplied equipment for fuel production in more than 80 countries. In 2024, James was awarded an OBE for his services to low carbon fuels.

Paul Hilditch – Chief Operating Officer

A Cambridge graduate with a PhD in biochemistry, Paul has led large-scale programs across various fields in science and business. He founded Watermeadow Medical, a profitable medical communications company, and has been applying portfolio-based innovations at Green Fuels Research since 2013.

Rob Hemsley – Chief Financial Officer

Rob holds a Masters in Astrophysics and is an FCA with over 20 years of financial experience. Since 2016, he has worked exclusively with innovative founders and technologies, helping fund and scale impact-driven companies in the aviation and wastewater sectors.

Ideh Heidari – Chief Technology Officer

Ideh has a PhD in Chemistry and over 15 years of global experience across the energy sector. She has been involved in various projects from CCUS, blue and green H2 production, and waste-to-value biofuels. At Firefly, she leads the project by managing all stakeholders to deliver the project from initial planning through to commissioning, build, and operation.

Sérgio Lima – Research Director

Sérgio graduated with a PhD in Chemistry and has more than 17 years of academic and industrial experience in the development and optimization of sustainable chemical catalyzed processes and heterogeneous catalysts for conversion of renewable feedstocks into high-value chemicals and advanced biofuels. At Green Fuels Research, Sérgio oversees the production and testing of SAF for Firefly.

Jason Askey-Wood – Managing Director – Green Fuels

Jason founded Uptown Biodiesel in 2007, becoming London’s leading Biodiesel manufacturer. In 2018, he sold his business to Olleco. As UK Managing Director of Green Fuels, Jason now provides Firefly with business insight and commercial delivery.

Leadership Changes

As of July 2025, there are no publicly available reports of recent significant changes or appointments within Firefly Green Fuels' leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for low-carbon aviation solutions and