Our SAF project utilizes unique technology that combines green hydrogen, bioethanol and CO₂ feedstocks in SAF and Synthetic SAF production. The project is currently in the development stage with the aim of becoming the largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Synthetic SAF producer in the Baltic region.
SAF Project
Why NorSAF?
From 2025, new EU regulations require that at least 2% of all aviation fuel supplied at airports across the region are SAF. This mandate marks a major shift in the aviation industry and is expected to rapidly increase demand for SAF and Synthetic SAF by 2030 and beyond.
Located at the Port of Liepaja, Latvia, our project benefits from strategic access to international logistics and feedstock supply routes. We are leveraging innovative technology to convert bioethanol, green hydrogen, and biogenic CO₂ into high-quality sustainable fuel. The feedstock of biogenic CO₂ will be locally supplied, from emitters, which are in the range of 100km from the plant. After 2033, NorSAF plans to have partially bioethanol supplied from local suppliers, which will derive from biomass.
This combination of regulatory momentum, technological innovation, and a strategic location forms the foundation of NorSAF’s business. Our facility is on track to launch operations in 2030, helping to drive the decarbonization of aviation across Europe.
NorSAF Production
While most current SAF production relies on HEFA technology — using limited feedstocks like used cooking oils and animal fats — NorSAF takes a different approach. Our facility will utilize ATJ-SKA technology (Alcohol-to-Jet Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene with Aromatics), producing SAF from non-biological sources such as green hydrogen, captured CO₂, and alcohols.
This advanced process, developed by Swedish Biofuels, financed by DARPA, tested with the U.S. Air Force and Swedish AirForce, and licensed through leading U.S. engineering firm KBR, enables the production of Synthetic SAF (eSAF) — aligning with upcoming EU mandates under the ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative.
Unlike conventional SAF, which currently requires blending with fossil jet fuel (typically between 10% and 50%), NorSAF’s chosen technology is expected to be certified for 100% drop-in use, making it a scalable, future-ready solution for decarbonizing aviation.
What are the main categories of
sustainable aviation fuels?
RENEWABLE FUELS
SYNTHETIC FUELS
- Feed
- Process
- Product – ASTM qualified
- Product – not ASTM qualified
Our Strategic Location
NorSAF is strategically located in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone (LSEZ), within the ice-free Port of Liepaja — a central point in the Baltic region that offers efficient access to European markets and reduced shipping costs for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) exports.
Latvia offers more than just geographic advantage. With access to local bioethanol, green hydrogen, and captured CO₂, NorSAF is positioned to produce SAF, diesel, and petrol using certified technology — all suitable for use without blending. This enhances region’s energy security and independence while supporting the EU’s climate goals.
The NorSAF project is also set to become one of Latvia’s largest exporters, driving national economic growth and creating high-skilled, well-paying jobs in the region.
3rd in EU for renewable energy consumption*
*Forrest, 2023
14th in SDG* performance among all UN countries
*Sustainable Development Report, 2023 **SDG – Sustainable Development Goals
Access to large talent pool
(11m in the region)
0% tax on reinvested profit
Cost effective environment
Recognised as 2nd* most competitive tax system in the world *International Tax Competitiveness Index, 2023
Superior connectivity in the Baltics
100+ direct flights
9th in EU in e-government benchmark
Capital: Riga
Population: 1.9 M
Area: 64.6 K km²
GDP per capita: €21.4 K
FDI: 60.7% of GDP
Member of EU, NATO, WTO & OECD
What is Sustainable
Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel, produced from non-petroleum feedstocks such as renewable green bioethanol, or captured biogenic CO₂. Also, it can be produced using such feedstocks as primary and co-products, by-products, wastes and residues.
SAF can be blended with conventional fuel, currently between 10%-50%, depending on its source and certification to power modern aircraft safely and efficiently.
Benefits of SAF
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers a powerful way to reduce aviation’s environmental impact. As aviation contributes around 2% of global CO₂ emissions and 12% of transport-related emissions, SAF is the most immediate and scalable solution to decarbonize the industry.
When produced with the right technology and feedstocks, 100% SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94%, making it a key driver toward the industry’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
SAF — an industry primed
for growth
Required Global SAF Ramp up from 2024- 2030
By 2030, demand for SAF is going to increase significantly, overtaking supply for the first time in our history.
Supply: By 2030, a deficit of 5.8 MT/year of SAF needs to be installed to match demand.
Demand: Total mandated demand expected to reach 17.1 MT/yr (~5% of 2030 jet fuel).
Countries with SAF Mandates
- Mandate
- Target
Source: WEF-Financing Sustainable Aviation Fuels 2025
SAF Conversion Pathways
| Conversion Process + Abbreviation | Feedstocks | Max Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Fischer-Tropsch hydroprocessed kerosene (FT) | Coal, natural gas, biomass | 50% |
| Hydroprocessed esters & fatty acids (HEFA) | Vegetable oils, animal fats, used cooking oils | 50% |
| Fermented sugars to iso-paraffins (SIP) | Biomass (sugar production) | 10% |
| Synthesized kerosene with aromatics – non-petroleum (FT-SKA) | Coal, natural gas, biomass | 50% |
| Alcohol-to-jet kerosene (ATJ-SPK) | Ethanol, isobutanol, isobutene from biomass | 50% |
| Catalytic hydrothermolysis (CHJ) | Vegetable oils, animal fats, used cooking oils | 50% |
| Hydrocarbon-based HEFA from algae (HC-HEFA-SPK) | Algae | 10% |
| Alcohol-to-jet with aromatics (ATJ-SKA) | C2–C5 alcohols from biomass | 10% |
| Co-processing esters & fats in refinery (—) | Vegetable oils, fats, used oils + petroleum | 5% |
| Co-processing FT hydrocarbons in refinery (—) | FT hydrocarbons + petroleum | 5% |
| Co-processing HEFA (—) | HEFA feedstocks + petroleum | 10% |
SAF Conversion Pathways
Conversion Process + Abbreviation (Feedstocks Max Blend)
Fischer-Tropsch hydroprocessed kerosene (FT)
| Coal, natural gas, biomass | 50% |
Hydroprocessed esters & fatty acids (HEFA)
| Vegetable oils, animal fats, used cooking oils | 50% |
Fermented sugars to iso-paraffins (SIP)
| Biomass (sugar production) | 10% |
Synthesized kerosene with aromatics – non-petroleum (FT-SKA)
| Coal, natural gas, biomass | 50% |
Alcohol-to-jet kerosene (ATJ-SPK)
| Ethanol, isobutanol, isobutene from biomass | 50% |
Catalytic hydrothermolysis (CHJ)
| Vegetable oils, animal fats, used cooking oils | 50% |
Hydrocarbon-based HEFA from algae (HC-HEFA-SPK)
| AlgaeAlgae | 10% |
Alcohol-to-jet with aromatics (ATJ-SKA)
| C2–C5 alcohols from biomass | 10% |
Co-processing esters & fats in refinery (—)
| Vegetable oils, fats, used oils + petroleum | 5% |
Co-processing FT hydrocarbons in refinery (—)
| FT hydrocarbons + petroleum | 5% |
Co-processing HEFA (—)
| HEFA feedstocks + petroleum | 10% |
ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative
The ReFuelEU Aviation initiative is a cornerstone of the EU’s climate strategy, designed to accelerate the decarbonization of air travel.
By mandating the gradual adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), it aims to reduce aviation emissions while addressing current challenges like limited supply and higher production costs. The initiative also promotes a level playing field by standardizing SAF regulations across all EU member states, ensuring fair competition and a unified approach to greener skies.
Refuel EU Timeline
The ReFuelEU Aviation initiative is a cornerstone of the EU’s climate strategy, designed to accelerate the decarbonization of air travel.
2025
Aviation fuel suppliers must ensure that 2% of the jet fuel supplied at EU airports is SAF.
2030
The SAF share must increase to 6%, with at least 1.2% of this being synthetic fuels (eSAF).
2035
SAF must constitute 20% of the jet fuel, with synthetic fuels making up 5%.
2040
The target rises to 34% SAF, with synthetic fuels comprising 10%.
2045
SAF should account for 42% of the total jet fuel, with 15% being synthetic fuels.
2050
The final target is for 70% of the jet fuel to be SAF, with 35% of it being synthetic fuels.
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