OXCCU Unveils World-First SAF Plant at Oxford Airport
OXCCU, a pioneering company in carbon dioxide conversion, has officially launched its first demonstration plant, OX1, at Oxford Airport. This groundbreaking facility represents a major leap in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, marking the world’s first demonstration of a direct conversion process from CO2 and hydrogen to jet fuel range hydrocarbons in a single step.
The OX1 plant, which will commence operations in September 2024, is based at London Oxford Airport and is designed and operated by OXCCU. It will produce approximately 1 kg (~1.2 litres) of liquid fuel per day. The plant utilizes OXCCU’s novel catalyst, developed through over a decade of research at the University of Oxford, to achieve high conversion efficiency and selectivity for SAF, branded as OX•EFUEL.
This Facility of a Kind (FOAK) is part of OXCCU’s strategic plan to scale up its technology. The insights and data gained from the OX1 plant will inform the design and operation of the next-generation OX2 plant, which is scheduled to produce 160 kg (200 litres) of SAF per day at Saltend Chemical Park Hull in 2026. The goal is to develop commercial plants that will supply SAF to the UK and international markets.
OXCCU’s innovative approach simplifies the traditional Power-to-Liquid (PtL) process by converting CO2 and H2 directly to long-chain hydrocarbons, bypassing the need to first convert CO2 to CO—a complex and energy-intensive step. This single-step process significantly reduces the cost of SAF, addressing a major barrier to its widespread adoption.
The OX1 plant not only highlights British innovation but also underscores OXCCU’s commitment to advancing sustainable aviation technology. Supported by substantial industry and government investment, the plant is expected to set a new standard in SAF production, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution to meet aviation fuel demands with lower capital and operational costs.
Andrew Symes, CEO of OXCCU, expressed enthusiasm about the plant’s launch: “We’re thrilled to unveil the OX1 plant, which is located near where OXCCU was founded. The successful production of fuel from CO2 in a single step has already generated excitement for its potential to reduce SAF costs significantly. Scaling up is crucial, and this plant will provide the necessary data and fuel for future developments.”
Symes added, “Our mission is to enable future generations to fly with minimal climate impact, and achieving cost-effective PtL SAF is key to that goal. The launch of the OX1 plant represents a significant step toward realizing this vision.”
Smiths Detection and SeeTrue Boost Aviation Security
Smith’s Detection has made a significant advancement in aviation security by integrating SeeTrue’s AI-based threat detection technology into its CT security checkpoint systems. This collaboration marks a major leap forward in enhancing security and operational efficiency at airport security checkpoints.
The newly combined solution, featuring SeeTrue’s Prohibited Items Detection Software (APIDS ready) engine and Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, is poised for immediate deployment, pending certification. The integration of SeeTrue’s advanced detection algorithms with Smiths’ automatic explosives detection technology promises to deliver superior carry-on baggage screening capabilities using Computed Tomography (CT).
Smith’s Detection’s collaboration with SeeTrue is part of the Ada Initiative, an effort designed to onboard new suppliers and ensure seamless integration of diverse hardware, software, and algorithms in line with Open Architecture principles. The combined technology will soon undergo ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) testing to validate its effectiveness and compliance with industry standards.
Cymoril Metivier, Global Director Digital Market at Smiths Detection, commented, “Our partnership with SeeTrue represents a pivotal moment in advancing our Open Architecture initiative. By integrating SeeTrue’s AI threat detection with our CT systems, we enhance security while maintaining flexibility in choosing third-party technologies. This effort underscores our commitment to providing customers with cutting-edge solutions and greater operational choices.”
Assaf Frenkel, Co-Founder and CEO of SeeTrue, added, “The fast-paced, high-demand environment of CT checkpoint operations requires close collaboration between technology providers. This partnership with Smiths Detection allows us to offer a unique and effective solution tailored to the evolving needs of airport security worldwide.”
The integration of SeeTrue’s technology with Smiths Detection’s CT systems is set to provide enhanced security and operational efficiency, supporting the global aviation industry’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Intelliconnect and EzForm at EuMW 2024
Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd, a leading UK-based manufacturer of RF, microwave, waterproof, and cryogenic connectors and cable assemblies, is set to highlight its advanced capabilities at the 27th European Microwave Week (EuMW 2024). The prestigious event, held in Paris, will see Intelliconnect sharing their stand with EzForm, a sister company under the Trexon Global umbrella.
As a prominent player in the industry, Intelliconnect will showcase a range of innovative products tailored for demanding applications across multiple sectors, including quantum computing, wearable technology, medical, telecommunications, satellite communications, military, aerospace, space exploration, general microwave communications, rail traction, oil and gas, and marine environments.
Key Exhibits at EuMW 2024:
Low Loss Cable Range: Designed for high-performance applications with minimal signal degradation.
CryoCoax Range: Featuring the HD QCON connector and attenuator range, these products are optimized for cryogenic conditions, catering to the needs of quantum computing and other low-temperature applications.
EzForm Products: Including raw cables and assemblies that support critical functions in military, aerospace, cryogenic, telecommunications, medical, instrumentation, and testing environments.
Pisces Range: Waterproof RF connectors and coaxial adaptors, offering solutions for inter-series connections and gender changes.
Steve Groves, Sales and Marketing Director at Intelliconnect, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s participation, stating, “We are excited to return to European Microwave Week alongside our Trexon sister company EzForm. This year’s exhibition provides a platform to showcase our cutting-edge RF and cryogenic technologies. Our CryoCoax division is at the forefront of cryogenic connectivity, supporting advancements in quantum computing, research, testing, and medical applications.”
Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd remains the largest UK-based manufacturer specializing in high-frequency microwave cables, including triaxial assemblies, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, and cryogenic cables. The company’s cables are known for their high quality, ruggedness, and ability to perform in harsh environments, with options for waterproofing to IP68 and features like phase matching.
For more information about Intelliconnect’s products and to see their offerings at EuMW 2024, visit their stand and explore their comprehensive range of solutions tailored for the most demanding applications.
DASA Funds Space Projects Spectra, Super-Sharp
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) have awarded £1.6 million in funding to six innovative projects as part of the Space to Innovate Campaign – Charlie Drop. This initiative aims to advance technologies that enhance the UK’s capabilities for safe operations in space.
The Space to Innovate Campaign – Charlie Drop invited submissions from innovators to address key challenges in space technology:
Fine Resolution ISR: Developing novel methods for high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collection.
Satellite Protection: Creating technologies and techniques to alert, protect, and defend satellites.
Future Space Operations: Advancing satellite and ground segment technologies for future Defence and Security operations.
Major General Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command, emphasized the importance of these technologies in an increasingly contested and congested space environment. “Harnessing novel technologies is crucial for ensuring our freedom of action in space,” he said. “We will continue to collaborate with industry partners, DASA, and Dstl to maintain our competitive edge.”
Athos Ritsperis, Dstl Space Systems Programme Manager, added, “Accelerating these technologies could contribute to future operational concepts supporting the Defence Space Strategy. We look forward to working with all the funded suppliers.”
The six funded projects are:
Nottingham Scientific Ltd – GMV NSL Limited: Developing an automated system to identify unattributed radio transmissions and predict their source orbit.
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited: Creating a deployable telescope for high-resolution ISR from Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
Spectra Defence Limited: Innovating high-resolution remote imaging to characterize unknown objects approaching high-value satellites in Geostationary orbits.
Super-Sharp Space Systems Ltd: Developing a control system for the self-alignment of large space telescopes.
University of Liverpool: Designing large-area antenna systems with an origami folding mechanism for deployment in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
QinetiQ Ltd Farnborough: Enhancing the ability to sense small, currently invisible objects that threaten space assets.
The Space to Innovate Campaign aims to ensure the UK’s freedom of action in space by developing technologies that protect and enhance both military and civil space capabilities. This initiative reflects the critical role of space-based services in modern life and the need to safeguard against disruptions, whether natural or intentional.
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