10178724Runway to Net Zero Phase 3ClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UK**PROBLEM:** Aviation decarbonisation requires urgent scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, with Government mandating 22% sustainable fuel by 2040\[1\]. Simultaneously, local authorities face rising waste disposal costs as Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities enter the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2028, adding an estimated £98 per tonne of fossil CO2\. Current approaches to waste-to-SAF development lack integrated frameworks connecting waste availability, suitable sites, and viable finance structures, preventing progression from feasibility studies to investable projects. **OUR AIM:** Our aim is to transform waste-to-SAF from concept to practical delivery pathways by addressing critical barriers identified in our Net Zero Living Phase 2 feasibility study. We will create the first comprehensive local authority-led framework enabling councils to develop investable SAF projects using residual Municipal Solid Waste, positioning the Heathrow Strategic Planning Group (HSPG) area as a leader in regional SAF production whilst creating nationally replicable methodologies. **OUR SOLUTION:** We will develop integrated tools addressing systemic barriers. These include: a replicable siting framework identifying viable locations based on utilities, transport links, and planning constraints; validated feedstock analysis quantifying waste availability and regulatory compliance; economic modelling comparing SAF pathways with traditional disposal under changing policy landscapes; template partnership agreements reducing developer risk and transaction costs; and stakeholder engagement models aligning local authority capabilities with industry investment needs. **END USERS:** Primary users include HSPG local authorities, waste operators, Heathrow Airport, airlines, SAF producers, and the finance sector. The replicable framework will benefit councils nationwide seeking alternative waste management pathways whilst supporting aviation industry SAF procurement requirements. **OUTCOMES:** This project will deliver: •A comprehensive SAF production siting framework and regional site shortlist •Validated feedstock and policy compliance toolkit •Economic evidence base comparing waste disposal options including ETS impacts •Finance and business models to deliver SAF successfully •Stakeholder engagement model and knowledge dissemination strategy **IMPACT:** Success positions the UK as a leader in waste-to-SAF development whilst providing local authorities with practical tools to address rising ETS costs. The project could enable attraction of £1.8bn+\[2\] investment in regional SAF infrastructure, create high-value green manufacturing jobs, and contribute significantly towards the 6.3mt\[1\] annual carbon savings required by the SAF Mandate. The replicable framework ensures benefits extend beyond the initial study area, supporting national aviation decarbonisation objectives whilst strengthening local authority resilience against evolving waste policy landscapes. \[1\] SAFMANDATE \[2\] UKGOVSAFInitiatives