Zaffra and MB Energy partner to build eSAF supply chain in Germany targeting 30,000 tonnes per year by 2030

gasworld.com

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

Zaffra, the Topsoe-Sasol joint venture focused on electro-sustainable aviation fuel, has signed an MoU with German energy firm MB Energy to develop hydrogen supply, logistics, and fuel distribution infrastructure for eSAF production in Europe. The partnership will initially support the Brandenburg eSAF project in Schwedt, Germany, which recently secured 350 million euros in state funding. The project is expected to produce over 30,000 tonnes of eSAF annually starting in 2030, covering roughly a quarter of Germany's mandated eSAF blending requirements under the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. The agreement includes MB Energy acting as a potential offtaker for future eSAF volumes and developing storage, blending, and airport supply infrastructure. Hydrogen for the process may come from MB Energy's New Energy Gate low-carbon fuel project in Hamburg. The partnership aims to create a practical and scalable European eSAF supply chain, combining Zaffra's fuel production capabilities with MB Energy's existing infrastructure and market reach.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Partnership to build out eSAF supply chain in Germany. 350m euros in state funding already secured for the Brandenburg project. Targeting 30k tonnes/year by 2030. Covers about a quarter of Germany's eSAF mandate under ReFuelEU.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

30k tonnes sounds like a lot but relative to total jet fuel demand it is small. The mandate goes to 70% by 2050 so they need way more scale. At least the infrastructure piece is getting attention early.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

30k tonnes is a start but eSAF is energy intensive to produce. The efficiency loss from power to hydrogen to fuel is significant. Would be curious to see the full lifecycle carbon accounting vs just burning kerosene.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Worth noting this is eSAF so it needs green hydrogen and biogenic CO2. The hydrogen sourcing from New Energy Gate in Hamburg is mentioned but no details on electrolyzer capacity or power supply. That is the real bottleneck.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The ReFuelEU mandate is the main driver here. Without that blending requirement escalating to 70% by 2050, these projects would not get financed. The 350m state funding helps but the policy signal is what makes the business case work.

solar_winds_05·3 months ago·1 pts

MB Energy handling logistics and offtake is smart. The hardest part of these projects is not making the fuel but getting it to airports and blended into the supply chain. Infrastructure partnerships matter as much as the tech.