Sustainable electric aviation fuel (eSAF) developer Zaffra and independent energy company MB Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to assess cooperation aimed at accelerating the commercialization and deployment of eSAF in Europe.
The potential partnership aims to connect synthetic aviation fuel production with the necessary infrastructure for its storage, blending, logistics, and airport delivery. If finalized, the initiative would strengthen the European eSAF supply chain and facilitate the availability of sustainable fuels for airlines.
A supply chain designed to scale the eSAF
As the aviation industry moves towards more demanding decarbonization goals, access to sustainable fuels has become a strategic element to meet regulatory and environmental requirements.
In this context, Zaffra and MB Energy will collaborate on developing solutions to scale up the production and distribution of eSAF to a commercial level. MB Energy’s logistical expertise, along with its network of storage terminals and presence in key aviation hubs, could play a significant role in bringing these fuels to the European market.
Likewise, the agreement stipulates that MB Energy will act as a potential buyer of future volumes of eSAF produced by Zaffra, strengthening the commercial viability of new projects.
Brandenburg eSAF will be the first focus of cooperation
The starting point for the collaboration will be Brandenburg eSAF, considered Germany’s largest eSAF production project.
This facility, jointly developed by Zaffra and ENERTRAG at the PCK refinery in Schwedt, is scheduled to produce more than 30,000 tons of eSAF annually starting in 2030. The projected capacity would cover approximately a quarter of Germany’s eSAF obligations under the European ReFuelEU Aviation regulation.
In addition to production, the companies will evaluate a comprehensive logistics model that covers everything from manufacturing to final delivery to customers and airlines in the markets where MB Energy operates.
Hydrogen is also part of the plans
Another element analyzed within the cooperation is the supply of hydrogen necessary for the manufacture of eSAF.
The companies are exploring potential synergies with New Energy Gate, the low-carbon fuels infrastructure project being developed by MB Energy in Hamburg. This integration could facilitate access to hydrogen for future production facilities and strengthen the competitiveness of synthetic fuels in Europe.
Similarly, the collaboration could support Zaffra’s participation in European funding mechanisms by demonstrating a complete supply chain that connects production, logistics and delivery to the end user.
A commitment to the decarbonization of European aviation
For Jan Toschka, CEO of Zaffra, market growth requires much more than industrial capacity.
As he explained, the development of eSAF demands new logistics and supply ecosystems capable of guaranteeing reliable and efficient deliveries on a large scale.
For his part, Jonathan Perkins, CEO of MB Energy, stressed that reducing emissions in the aviation sector depends on cooperation between producers, hydrogen suppliers, logistics operators, and distributors.
The alliance could also generate economic benefits by creating jobs associated with the construction, operation and logistics of the future facilities, as well as contributing to strengthening European energy resilience through more diversified supply chains.
Thanks to the patented G2L™ eFuels technology used by its shareholders, Zaffra produces synthetic aviation fuel from renewable electricity, water, and sustainable carbon dioxide sources. This technology allows for fuels certified under ASTM standards and achieves emission reductions of over 90% compared to conventional alternatives.
With a growing demand for sustainable aviation fuels, the collaboration between MB Energy and Zaffra seeks to lay the foundations for an eSAF supply network capable of meeting the future needs of European air transport.
Source and photo: Mbenergy
