Project aims to establish commercial-scale production of sustainable aviation fuel and eSAF by 2031

LIEPAJA – Latvian sustainable fuel developer NorSAF has signed a licensing agreement with KBR for the deployment of PureSAF® technology as part of plans to develop what the companies describe as Europe’s first commercial-scale facility capable of producing 100% drop-in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF).

The agreement grants NorSAF exclusive rights to utilise the technology for the proposed project, which is planned for the Port of Liepaja in Latvia. The facility would use technology originally developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and commercially licensed through KBR.

Focus on drop-in fuel capability

According to the companies, the proposed fuel differs from most currently available SAF pathways in that it is designed to replicate the chemical characteristics of conventional jet fuel, allowing compatibility with existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure without modification, subject to applicable certification approvals.

The technology currently holds certification for use in blends of up to 50% with conventional jet fuel. Industry participants anticipate that regulatory approval for 100% use could be considered during 2026, subject to ASTM certification processes.

The planned facility would produce both SAF derived from advanced bioethanol and eSAF produced using renewable hydrogen and captured biogenic carbon dioxide. The project aims to source feedstocks within Europe and utilise renewable electricity to support hydrogen production through electrolysis.

Targeting commercial operations by 2031

NorSAF has outlined a target production capacity of approximately 100,000 tonnes of SAF and eSAF annually, with operations provisionally expected to commence in 2031. The total project value is estimated at more than €1 billion.

The project timeline has been aligned with the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation objectives, which establish increasing sustainable aviation fuel adoption targets through to 2050. Fuel produced at the facility is intended for supply to airlines operating within European markets.

NorSAF estimates that greenhouse gas emissions associated with the proposed production process could be reduced by approximately 83% compared with conventional jet fuel production methods.

Industry partnership

The project is being developed with support from Avia Solutions Group, which is acting as a partner through its aviation infrastructure and fuel supply capabilities. NorSAF stated that further project development and construction remain subject to securing the required strategic partnerships and investment commitments.

If completed, the facility would position Latvia as a producer of sustainable aviation fuel for European and international markets while supporting broader efforts to expand SAF production capacity across the region.