Power2X to co-develop world’s largest sustainable fuel production facility

Energy consultancy Power2X and Rotterdam-based tank storage company Advario have announced plans to build the world’s largest Electric Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) factory in the Netherlands.

The €1.5 billion project, which includes production facilities and storage terminals, is set to be completed by 2030 and will produce over 250,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel annually – enough for 7,000 flights between Amsterdam and New York.

Sustainable airline fuel is made from renewable sources that emit significantly less greenhouse gasses than jet fuels derived from fossil fuels. e-SAF, specifically, is made by converting electricity into fuel using wind, solar, or other sustainable power generation methods.

“The project demonstrates our commitment to developing the next-generation of energy infrastructure and accelerating the energy transition,” said Occo Roelofsen, founder and CEO of Power2X.

“This strategically positioned site and innovative business-model aims to make competitive production of e-SAF at global scale in the heart of Europe possible. It underscores our leadership in driving decarbonization and delivering sustainable solutions for the future.”

Unlike biokerosene, e-SAF is made from methanol derived from green hydrogen, resulting in a lower CO2 footprint. The factory will meet 40% of Europe’s e-SAF demand by 2030, according to Power2X and Advario, contributing to the European Union’s mandate requiring airlines to use 1.2% e-SAF in their fuel mix.

This project meanwhile aligns with Rotterdam’s ambition to become a hub for sustainable fuels and follows Shell’s recent pause on a similar biofuel project in Rotterdam due to what the oil & gas giant cited as “adverse market conditions”.

The fuel from the e-SAF factory will be distributed across Europe via pipelines, trains, and ships, positioning Rotterdam as a key player in the transition to greener aviation fuels. “SAF production facilities in Rotterdam currently supply 24% of Europe’s aviation fuel need,” said Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

“The production of e-SAF in Rotterdam is important to meet future SAF demand. This project by Advario and Power2X is an example of the successful conversion of land in the Port of Rotterdam from fossil fuel to green, sustainable production.”

Green hydrogen, which is an excellent sustainable fuel produced without any greenhouse gas emissions, is a huge part of the coming energy transition in Europe. Power2X is also playing a leading role in the construction of a major green hydrogen plant in Portugal, which will create about 200 jobs and is estimated will reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 600,000 tons of per year.