Avia Solutions Group set to construct the biggest and technologically advanced Synthetic Aviation Fuel (SAF) factory in Northern Europe
The aviation industry is set for a significant shift towards sustainability with the advanced planning of NorSAF's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Liepaja, Latvia. The project, a joint venture between Avia Solutions Group and its partners, aims to establish Northern Europe's largest SAF production facility, expected to commence operations in 2030[1][3][4].
The plant, once operational, will produce approximately 100,000 tons of SAF annually[1]. This capacity is noteworthy given the total aviation fuel consumption across airports in the three Baltic countries, which stands at approximately 400,000 tons yearly[4]. The project's ambition to leverage Latvia's renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass, will not only enhance energy independence but also stimulate economic development amid geopolitical uncertainties[1].
The NorSAF plant's impact on the global aviation industry is anticipated to be substantial, contributing a significant volume of SAF to help meet EU decarbonization targets, including the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate[2]. This mandate requires 1.2% of aviation fuel supplied at EU airports to be synthetic fuels by 2030. This aligns with broader industry efforts to reduce carbon emissions through scalable, next-generation synthetic fuels, supporting the shift towards more sustainable air travel.
NorSAF's technology of choice is PureSAF, developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and exclusively licensed via the US engineering firm KBR[5]. KBR is currently conducting a feasibility study for the project, with expected completion in the second half of 2025[5]. The PureSAF technology will allow the production of both SAF and eSAF from bioethanol, hydrogen, and captured CO2.
Negotiations are underway with a large company to purchase carbon dioxide for synthetic SAF production[2]. The estimated cost of the project is 500-600 million euros, depending on the selected technological solution[2]. The project, which is expected to commence shortly after the completion of the feasibility study, will be located in the Liepaja Free Economic Zone, Latvia[1].
The development of the aviation industry, according to Jonas Janukenas, CEO of the Group, is now directly linked to new sustainability standards[3]. NorSAF aims to produce much more SAF fuel than will be needed for the entire Baltic countries' market, with plans to export the majority of their produced SAF[3]. The European Union has implemented a requirement that at least 2% of all fuel consumed at larger airports must be SAF, with gradual increases to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050[3].
In conclusion, the NorSAF project in Liepaja is a significant step towards a more sustainable aviation industry. By 2030, the plant is projected to produce 100,000 tons of SAF annually, positioning Latvia as a key regional producer and exporter of sustainable aviation fuel, thereby supporting global aviation industry decarbonization efforts by that timeframe[1][2][3].
[1] https://www.balticgroundservices.com/news/nor-saf-project-to-establish-northern-europes-largest-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production-facility [2] https://www.aviasolutionsgroup.aero/news/nor-saf-project-to-establish-northern-europes-largest-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production-facility [3] https://www.aviasolutionsgroup.aero/news/nor-saf-project-to-establish-northern-europes-largest-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production-facility [4] https://www.balticgroundservices.com/news/nor-saf-project-to-establish-northern-europes-largest-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production-facility [5] https://www.balticgroundservices.com/news/nor-saf-project-to-establish-northern-europes-largest-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production-facility
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