About the LCFF

Objectives

The key objectives of the Advanced Fuels Fund are to:

• Support the UK advanced SAF sector in their development of investable commercial projects capable of significantly reducing near-term UK aviation emissions. Support UK commercial-scale advanced SAF projects in later development stages to achieve a Final Investment Decision, to help unlock future investments in other UK projects.
• Broaden and strengthen the UK project pipeline, accelerating the progression of UK advanced SAF projects towards an "investment ready" state.
• Support the advancement of a diverse range of innovative technology pathways to SAF.

Scope

The Low Carbon Fuels Fund will provide grant funding to first-of-a-kind (FOAK) commercial and demonstration-scale projects in the UK at specific development stages, covering “Pre-front-end engineering and design” (Pre-FEED)”, “Front-end engineering and design” (FEED) and for demonstration projects only the “Detailed Design” stage withing “Engineering, Procurement & Construction” (EPC).

For this first window, Feasibility studies, Procurement of Equipment and EPC license fees will not be supported.

How to apply

Applications will be open from 23 July 2026 until 11 September 2026. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged by email. It is not possible to accept late applicants.

• A webinar launch event will be held in August 2026. The event will give an overview of the competition covering:
  • The main assessment criteria and minimum requirements.
  • Key dates and deadlines.
  • The application form and appendices.
• Applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions during this session and these plus responses will be recorded in an FAQ document in the Questions section of this webpage. The presentation and recording from the launch event will be shared.
• There will be a voluntary mid-window indicative eligibility check where any applicant may submit a completed draft of section 2.2 of their application form.
  • The form will need to be submitted to LCFF@WSP.com by 20 August 2026.
  • A short, templated feedback letter will be returned to the applicant within 5 working days outlining from your draft section 2.2 whether your project is likely to be eligible.
  • This check will not involve assessment of any supporting evidence or appendices.
  • The draft section 2.2 submitted for this eligibility check will not be used in the full application assessment process as it will be superseded by the finalised section 2.2 in any full application.
  • This indicative eligibility check is not mandatory and will not carry any marks but is recommended.

Timeline

The application window is open from 23 July 2026 until 11 September 2026.

Table 1 outlines the key dates and stages of the Low Carbon Fuels Fund, from initial launch to the end of the competition’s Funding Period. These are planned but may be subject to change.

Table 1. Key Dates

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the guidance document in order to be eligible for funding. If you are unsure if you meet the criteria, please contact LCFF@WSP.com.

The Low Carbon Fuels Fund will be is administered and managed on behalf of the DfT by their delivery partners WSP and ERM. DfT retains overall responsibility for the execution, eligibility and award decisions, contract terms and payments throughout.

A fair and competitive assessment process will be assured, including a rigorous process to manage any direct or perceived conflict of interest that may arise from a personal/working relation between an applicant and one of the delivery partners.

Application documents

Please download the competition documents using the links below.

• Low Carbon Fuels Fund Guidance document
• Low Carbon Fuels Fund Application Form
• Appendix D (budget)
• Appendix E (plant costs)
• Appendix G (risks)
• Appendix H (GHGs)
• Low Carbon Fuels Fund Example Grant Agreement

News and updates

·      To ensure you are informed of all the latest news and updates in relation to the competition, please register for our mailing list by contacting LCFF@WSP.com

Questions

Please email LCAFF@WSP.com if you have any questions. Questions and responses received during the application window can be found in the FAQ document that will be published following the launch webinar.

Please note that negotiation of the grant terms & conditions will not be possible. However, should you identify any element that prevents you from applying, please inform us at LCFF@WSP.com.