Port of Rotterdam to Get World-Scale e-SAF Facility

• The project will develop the next generation of energy infrastructure and accelerate the energy transition.
• The European Union’s target is to produce 20% of all aviation fuel from renewable sources.

Power2X, an energy transition specialist based in Amsterdam, and Advario, a leading global player in the terminal storage industry in Rotterdam, are working together to construct a large e-SAF facility in the Port of Rotterdam.

The new facility is being built to produce and store sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) and ultra-low-carbon fuels.

It is expected to produce over 250,000 tonnes of e-SAF every year, enough to power more than 7,000 flights running between Amsterdam and New York each year. e-SAF is produced from green hydrogen, a non-fossil fuel, and has lower emissions than conventional aviation fuels.

The hub in the port will use green methanol made from biogenic carbon and green hydrogen, which will be imported from areas with abundant renewable energy. Meanwhile, Advario will build a storage facility that can hold about 2,30,000 cubic meters of fuel, providing a continuous supply.

The Port of Rotterdam's location plays a critical role in providing easy access to European airports, making it a powerful hub for distributing sustainable fuels.

Advarios has transformed a 26-hectare site, previously used for other purposes, into this new energy facility. The site is perfect for sustainable energy projects with waterfront access and proximity to hydrogen projects.

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

Bas Verkooijen, CEO of Advario, noted: “This initiative is a prime example of Advario’s strategy to play a frontrunner role in the energy transition. We are very pleased to enter into this long- term partnership with Power2X, providing essential storage and logistics infrastructure for their world-scale e-SAF facility.”

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “SAF production facilities in Rotterdam currently supply 24% of Europe’s aviation fuel need. According to the European Union’s target, 20% of all aviation fuel is to be produced from renewable sources. The production of e-SAF in Rotterdam is therefore 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”.

SAF can cut carbon emissions, reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by 90% compared to traditional jet fuels. A new regulation in Europe requires an increase in the use of SAF starting in 2030. The facility in the Port of Rotterdam is expected to provide 40% of the required e-SAF volume when it begins operations.

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Source: The Port of Rotterdam