The global aviation sector is entering a new era driven by decarbonisation. eSAF has the potential to help make aviation climate-neutral by the mid-21st century. This initiative cements Germany’s central role in the global aviation sector and as a leader in the development of innovative technologies. It would guarantee access to sustainable fuels of the future and significantly contribute to reducing aviation’s CO2 emissions in Germany. The potential eSAF production facility will be strategically located in East Germany, to conveniently serve airports, including Leipzig/Halle, Germany.
The partners’ planning envisages an anticipated production of at least 200 000 tpy of eSAF, with the potential to scale up to 500 000 tpy. With the initially planned quantity, it is estimated that 632 000 tpy of CO2 emissions can be reduced. The potential total reduction in CO2 emissions could reach approximately 1.58 million tpy when the project achieves its full capacity.
Among the companies collaborating on this project are the world’s largest logistics conglomerate, DHL Group, the rapidly growing German green energy company HH2E AG, and Sasol, the leading company for Fischer-Tropsch technology that enables the production of eSAF. Potentially, the global aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, will also join.
With the goal of realising an eSAF production in Germany by 2030, the involved companies will immediately specify the technical and financial planning, as well as the financing and definition of the regulatory framework.
A project of this magnitude and complexity, representing investments in the billions, promises significant benefits for climate protection, economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement for Germany and Europe. For successful implementation, it is necessary that the EU, the German federal and state governments now shape the framework conditions in such a way that the necessary private investments are made.