Equilibrion and Rolls-Royce SMR have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The collaboration will focus on technical and economic assessments of powering Equilibrion’s Eq.flight system with nuclear energy.
Eq.flight produces power-to-liquids SAF using heat and electricity, offering lower lifecycle emissions and higher efficiency than conventional methods.
Rolls-Royce SMRs provide consistent, low-carbon energy suitable for industrial fuel synthesis.
The companies said that a single SMR could enable production of over 160 million litres of SAF annually, covering about a third of the UK’s 2040 PtL target.
Supported by a Department for Transport grant, a UK demonstration of Eq.flight is planned by 2030 to confirm technical viability and economic feasibility. The partnership aims to boost domestic SAF production, strengthen energy security, create thousands of skilled jobs, and advance national and global net-zero aviation goals.