NorSAF has entered into a permanent licence agreement with KBR for the deployment of PureSAF technology, marking a significant step towards establishing Europe's first commercial-scale facility capable of producing 100% drop-in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This innovative project, set to be located at the Port of Liepaja, Latvia, aims to produce 100,000 tonnes of SAF annually by 2031.

The PureSAF technology, developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and exclusively licensed to KBR, allows for the production of SAF that mimics fossil jet fuel, enabling its use in existing aircraft without the need for blending with conventional fuels. Currently, PureSAF is certified for a 50/50 blend, but full regulatory approval for 100% use is anticipated by 2026.

The facility will utilise advanced bioethanol and eSAF, a synthetic fuel derived from green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂, powered by green electricity. This process is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 83% compared to traditional jet fuel production. The project aligns with the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandates, which aim for 70% SAF adoption by 2050.

Jānis Kisiels, a board member of NorSAF, stated, “By producing sustainable, 100% drop-in fuels at scale using local, European-sourced feedstocks, we are building a resilient, self-sufficient energy ecosystem.” Jay Ibrahim, President of KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions, added, “KBR is committed to providing viable energy solutions.”

The collaboration positions Latvia as a key player in the sustainable aviation fuel market, with NorSAF benefiting from Avia Solutions Group’s aviation infrastructure

This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.