James Hygate receives OBE for services to low carbon fuels

James Hygate, CEO of Firefly Green Fuels, was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding contributions to the development of low carbon fuels.
The prestigious investiture ceremony took place on Tuesday, 1 April at Windsor Castle.
James has long been a driving force in the green energy sector, leading the way for over 20 years in developing innovative sustainable fuel technologies aimed at reducing global carbon emissions.
Initially focused on sustainable road fuels, James has evolved to become a leading figure in the aviation industry’s green energy transition. His latest business has developed a way to make SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) from recycled sewage waste, a material currently spread on land in the UK.
This remarkable British innovation offers significant environmental and economic benefits to the UK. It puts huge quantities of sewage waste into beneficial use whilst also providing an affordable, waste-derived fuel. An asset that will help the UK to meet its SAF mandate without relying on imports.
Recently, the company announced plans to develop a commercial-scale facility in Harwich, Essex, where it will convert sewage biosolids into highly sustainable fuels.
The production centre is expected to be in commercial operation by 2029 and would be the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
HM King Charles III has long been an advocate of the innovative work being done by Firefly Green Fuels and its sister company, Green Fuels.
James said: "I am incredibly humbled to receive this honour today. It is a reflection not just of my work, but of the tireless efforts of everyone I’ve worked with over the past 20 years. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the low carbon fuels sector.
“This achievement reflects all that hard work, and I am proud to work alongside such dedicated and passionate teams. I would like to thank my colleagues, partners, my family and all those who like me are dedicated to building a more sustainable future."
James Hygate is founder and CEO of Firefly, which makes sustainable aviation fuel out of sewage. Firefly has gained £5m in funding and an order of up to 525,000 tonnes of fuel from ultra-low-cost airline Wizz Air.