James Hygate, CEO of Firefly Green Fuels and Green Fuels Ltd. has been awarded the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of low carbon fuels.
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The prestigious honour, announced as part of the New Year’s Honours List, reflects a 22 year-long career of tireless work and leadership in advancing sustainable fuel technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
The Order of the British Empire is one of the United Kingdom’s highest honours, awarded by the monarch for exceptional contributions to society. It is given to individuals who have made significant achievements in their respective fields.
The OBE, awarded to Mr. Hygate, recognizes his exceptional efforts as a veteran leader within his industry, as well as his leadership as a public advocate for sustainability innovation and action.
His dedication to innovation and sustainability is best exemplified by his most recent venture – Firefly Green Fuels, which is fast becoming a leader in the low-carbon fuel space through its development of a brand-new sewage-derived SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) pathway. Firefly’s SAF boasts a greater than 90% reduction in lifecycle CO₂ compared to fossil jet and is produced from sewage waste – an undesirable material that we produce in great volumes every day.
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James has also been a vocal champion for sustainable fuel production throughout his career, having made multiple TV appearances around the globe. More recently in his role as Firefly CEO, he has devoted a great deal of time towards thought leadership and has travelled around the world to share details of Firefly’s groundbreaking sewage waste-to-fuel innovation.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive this recognition,” said James Hygate. “This award is a testament not just to my work, but to the incredible teams at Firefly Green Fuels and Green Fuels Ltd. who have all contributed to the progress we’ve made in advancing the transition to low carbon fuels. Together, we are working toward a more sustainable future, and I look forward to continuing this journey.”
Mr. Hygate’s OBE is a significant recognition of his leadership and commitment to sustainability in the energy sector, underscoring the importance of innovation in the global effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. His company Firefly is currently working towards opening a world-first facility in Harwich, UK which plans to start turning sewage into a range of sustainable fuels by 2029.
