Power2X and Advario will develop the world’s largest green hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Rotterdam. The plant is expected to produce over 250,000 tonnes of e-SAF annually, making it the biggest announced to date.
Key Details of the Green Hydrogen Plant
- Green methanol from green hydrogen and biogenic carbon will be imported as feedstock
- Green hydrogen will also be produced locally at the facility
- Advario will create a storage and logistics hub with marine and rail access for a reliable supply chain
- The facility is strategically located near major European airports like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Estimated annual SAF output could power approximately 7,000 flights between Amsterdam and New York
- The plant is situated in a prime location with access to key hydrogen pipelines and the Port of Rotterdam
“This site and innovative business model aims to make competitive production of SAF at a global scale in the heart of Europe possible,” said Occo Roelofsen, Founder and CEO of Power2X. “It underscores our leadership in driving decarbonisation and delivering sustainable solutions for the future.”
Importance of SAF Production in Rotterdam
Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, emphasized the importance of this project in meeting EU targets. “SAF production facilities in Rotterdam currently supply 24% of Europe’s aviation fuel need,” he noted. The EU aims for 20% of aviation fuel to come from renewable sources. “The production of e-SAF in Rotterdam is therefore important to meet future SAF demand,” Siemons added. He described the project as an example of successful conversion from fossil fuel to green, sustainable production.
Challenges Facing Large-Scale SAF Projects
The announcement comes amidst growing challenges for large-scale SAF production projects in the hydrogen industry. On October 10th, Uniper and Sasol cancelled their 200MW SkyFuelH2 project in Sweden. They cited slow market development, insufficient regulations, and rising costs as key factors behind their decision.
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Despite these headwinds, the Power2X and Advario project in Rotterdam represents a major step forward. It aims to establish a robust, scalable supply of sustainable aviation fuel. This will help decarbonize one of the most emissions-intensive sectors of the global economy. As the largest announced SAF facility to date, it has the potential to serve as a model for future projects. It could also drive innovation across the green hydrogen value chain.
