KBR’s PureSAF technology selected for Northern Europe’s SAF and eSAF plant by NorSAF
KBR has announced that NorSAF, one of the leading sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producers in the Baltics, has selected KBR’s proprietary PureSAF® technology for what is set to become the largest SAF and eSAF production plant in Northern Europe.
Under the agreement, KBR will license the proprietary PureSAF technology, invented and developed by Swedish Biofuels AB for NorSAF’s new plant, which is expected to produce 100,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel and eSAF annually. The project is backed by Avia Solutions Group. Production is planned to commence in 2030, and distribution of SAF is planned for aviation companies across the Baltics, Northern Europe, and additional European markets.
Europe has set one of the world’s most ambitious frameworks for aviation decarbonization in pursuit of climate neutrality by 2050. With aviation among the continent’s hardest sectors to abate, binding sustainable aviation fuel mandates are an inevitable path forward. Under EU legislation, minimum SAF blending requirements are established by the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. Effective January 2025, the European Fit for 55 climate package regulation mandates that aviation fuel supplied at EU airports must contain at least 6% SAF by 2030, rising progressively to 70% by 2050.
In alignment with the broader global decarbonization targets, KBR is constantly developing or licensing innovative technologies, including the proprietary PureSAF sustainable aviation fuel process, to help global economies meet their long-term climate objectives.
“We are proud to be a part of this pivotal project, which will drive Latvia’s transition toward cleaner aviation and reinforce Europe’s leadership in sustainable fuel innovation,” said Jay Ibrahim, President, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. “KBR is committed to providing viable energy solutions and our PureSAF process not only scales SAF production but also offers an opportunity to co-process CO2 and syngas in the same plant, and produce a fungible jet fuel ready for use, without the need to blend with traditional jet fuel.”
“We are delighted to have collaborated with KBR to bring PureSAF technology to Europe,” said Jānis Kisiels, Board Member of NorSAF. “Recent global events have underscored that energy sovereignty is no longer just an economic goal, but a matter of national and regional security. By producing sustainable, 100% drop-in jet fuel at scale using local, European-sourced feedstocks, we are building a resilient, self-sufficient energy ecosystem that reduces our dependence on external fossil fuel markets and strengthens Europe’s industrial backbone.”
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