Belfast cleantech firm CATAGEN takes off with government-backed finance
A Belfast cleantech firm secured UK Export Finance backing to expand sustainable aviation fuel production and emissions testing, reinforcing Northern Ireland’s role in clean energy exports.
CATAGEN, a Northern Irish cleantech company, has secured government-backed financing through UK Export Finance (UKEF) to launch a new division focused on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology. The funding will support the expansion of ClimaHtech Green Flight, CATAGEN’s existing SAF production subsidiary, which develops lower-carbon alternatives to conventional jet fuel using sustainable feedstocks. The investment will also bolster CATAGEN’s emissions testing services, which help manufacturers meet global emissions standards through rigorous measurement and validation processes.
The financing, provided under UKEF’s export credit guarantee scheme, enables CATAGEN to accelerate commercial production of its modular SAF technology. These small-scale, scalable units can be deployed in multiple locations, allowing the company to respond to growing demand while maintaining flexibility. UKEF’s support is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen the UK’s clean energy sector and position Northern Ireland as a leader in sustainable aviation innovation.
CATAGEN’s work aligns with the UK government’s industrial strategy, which prioritises clean growth and high-skilled employment. The company, founded by Dr Andrew Woods and based in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, collaborates with a network of UK, European, and US partners, including Ryanair, Shell Aviation Ireland, and Vinci Airports. The new funding will help CATAGEN expand its international reach, secure additional customers, and sustain jobs across its supply chain in Northern Ireland.
The announcement coincides with UKEF’s Northern Ireland Business Forum in Belfast on 6 October, where officials will outline how government-backed finance can help businesses manage export risks and capitalise on global clean energy opportunities. UKEF has committed to supporting at least £10 billion in clean-growth business between 2024 and 2029, as part of its broader push toward net-zero financed emissions by 2050.