Monday, 22 September 2025
ClimaHtech Green Flight Launches in Belfast to Revolutionise Sustainable Aviation Fuel A major step forward in decarbonising the aviation industry has been taken with the launch of ClimaHtech Green Flight (CGF), a wholly owned subsidiary of Belfast-based clean energy engineering company CATAGEN. Officially launched at CATAGEN’s Titanic Quarter campus, CGF will use first-of-its-kind patented modular […]
A major step forward in decarbonising the aviation industry has been taken with the launch of ClimaHtech Green Flight (CGF), a wholly owned subsidiary of Belfast-based clean energy engineering company CATAGEN. Officially launched at CATAGEN’s Titanic Quarter campus, CGF will use first-of-its-kind patented modular reactor technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using off-grid renewable and low-carbon electricity sources.
Unlike traditional SAF production methods that rely heavily on centralised infrastructure, CGF’s innovative decentralised approach allows fuel to be generated near renewable energy assets or directly at airports, offering greater resilience, flexibility, and scalability across the UK and beyond.
“Progressing towards our sustainability goals depends on securing scalable and affordable SAF,” said Steven Fitzgerald, Director of Sustainability and Finance at Ryanair, a key CGF partner. “CATAGEN’s decentralised SAF model allows production to be brought closer to demand, enabling faster deployment and reducing the bottlenecks that slow down traditional SAF projects.”
As part of its launch, ClimaHtech Green Flight has entered into strategic partnerships with Ryanair and Shell Aviation, both of whom have signed offtake agreements to secure future SAF supply. These collaborations are a strong endorsement of CGF’s technology and potential to accelerate aviation decarbonisation.
“Shell Aviation is committed to scaling sustainable aviation fuel, but the industry needs both volume and speed.” added Ken McHutcheon, Supply and Operations Manager at Shell Aviation Ireland. “CATAGEN’s decentralised, modular approach provides a new way of producing SAF that can complement centralised facilities, shorten timelines, and provide more flexible access to fuel.”
The modular systems designed by CGF are manufactured off-site and easily deployed, reducing the need for disruptive construction near airports. This agile model aligns with government and international mandates:
The UK has committed to 10% SAF usage in flights by 2030.
The EU has set a 70% SAF target by 2050.
Global SAF demand is expected to exceed 360 million tonnes by 2050, up from just 1 million tonnes in 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“To reach these targets, we need technologies that can be scaled up alongside the development of surrounding infrastructures around airports. In the UK, challenges around energy security have been made clear, hence the push from government to increase our use of renewables in the grid,” said Mel Courtney, CEO of ClimaHtech Green Flight. “Our approach to SAF should match this approach and be accessible to the market where it is needed to be deployed.”
While the UK and EU have set clear SAF mandates, other countries, particularly the US, Japan, and members of the Middle East, are ramping up their own SAF investments and incentives. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, for example, provides tax credits for SAF producers, while Japan’s aviation sector has committed to SAF blending requirements ahead of the 2030 Olympics. Against this competitive backdrop, CATAGEN’s launch of ClimaHtech Green Flight could help the UK remain at the forefront of green aviation, fostering export opportunities for modular SAF technology and expertise.
While many airlines rely on carbon offsets to meet climate targets, experts are increasingly sceptical of their long-term effectiveness. Sustainable aviation fuel provides a real, in-sector emissions reduction, as opposed to offsetting carbon elsewhere. CATAGEN’s modular SAF production directly aligns with science-based targets and avoids some of the accountability issues that have plagued offset programmes.
The location at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, once the industrial heart of shipbuilding, is now home to a new generation of engineering innovation. By anchoring its SAF production in Northern Ireland, CGF positions the region as a strategic hub for clean aviation technology, offering:
Enhanced energy security by reducing reliance on imported SAF.
Local job creation and economic growth through cleantech innovation.
A leadership role for Northern Ireland in achieving UK-wide net-zero targets.
Despite its promise, the SAF industry still faces significant challenges:
Certification timelines for new fuels can be long and expensive.
Upfront capital for production facilities, even modular ones, can deter new market entrants.
Long-term offtake agreements, like those signed by Ryanair and Shell, are still the exception rather than the norm.
Continued public-private partnerships, policy support, and early-adopter airline engagement will be crucial to overcoming these barriers and driving commercial-scale adoption.
The launch of ClimaHtech Green Flight marks a milestone in the journey to sustainable aviation. Backed by Ryanair and Shell Aviation, and powered by CATAGEN’s cutting-edge reactor technology, this decentralised model could transform how SAF is produced and distributed, not just in the UK, but globally. From Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter, the future of flight is being reimagined: greener, cleaner, and closer to home.
At All-Ireland Sustainability, we’re committed to building a greener, fairer island, together. Stay informed on the latest environmental initiatives, community action, and policy developments shaping sustainability across Ireland, North and South.
👉 Sign up for our newsletter today and be the first to hear about upcoming events, expert insights, and ways to get involved.
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting your journey, new members are always welcome.
Subscribe now and be part of the All-Ireland Sustainability Membership.
Copyright © 2025. All Ireland Sustainability
Webdesign & Development Northern Ireland 2b:creative