CNF is developing an e-fuels production facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel by combining carbon dioxide with clean hydrogen derived from low-carbon electricity. The resulting jet fuel is designed to reduce life-cycle emissions by up to 89%, contributing to aviation decarbonization objectives. The company plans to generate revenue from the production and sale of sustainable aviation fuel to the aviation industry.

The project has received support from the UK Advanced Fuels Fund Competition, with a grant of £1.3 million. The team is described as award-winning with more than 30 years of industry experience; the co-founder has previously built and exited a tech business. CNF has been recognized with the 2024 Trailblazer Tech Award and participated in the NatWest Accelerator Programme. The company is backed by investors including Trailfinders and British Business Investments.

Aviation is identified as a challenging sector to decarbonize, facing rising passenger numbers, limited supply of sustainable fuels, and constraints in battery and hydrogen technology. CNF’s approach focuses on producing sustainable aviation fuel from captured carbon dioxide and low-carbon hydrogen to address these challenges.