#Sustainability20: Verso Energy pledges to build €1.4bn green hydrogen-based SAF plant in Finland & more
Weekly Roundup - 21/02/25
Each Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.
Industry Updates
A study by the ICCT reveals that aircraft efficiency improvements have stagnated due to fewer new-type certifications, risking aviation’s net-zero goals. ICAO is urged to strengthen CO2 standards to drive innovation.
KLM urged the EU to enhance e-SAF policies, highlighting its potential to boost energy security and create 20,000 jobs by 2050. The airline called for investment in synthetic kerosene to decarbonise aviation.
Project SkyPower, led by KLM and Airbus, calls for EU policy support to scale e-SAF production. The alliance proposes five interventions, including recycling ETS revenues and providing long-term regulatory certainty.
CLIMATE WATCH: Rolling back on climate actions may spell rise in preventable illness – study - The Guardian
A study by Imperial College London shows UK net-zero actions could save £46 billion by 2060 through reduced air pollution and improved health, with benefits like fewer asthma cases and strokes.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Qatar Aviation Services launched an autonomous staff bus trial at Hamad International Airport, marking the region’s first airside autonomous mobility initiative. The project aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Milk launched sustainable inflight amenity kits made from eco-friendly materials like cactus and pineapple leather. The kits are customizable and designed for reuse, promoting airlines’ environmental credentials.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Verso Energy plans to build an 80,000-tonne e-SAF plant in Finland, creating 250 jobs. The $1.46 billion project aligns with Finland’s green transition goals and supports European energy security.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Institute (SAFII) launched to unite SAF stakeholders, ensuring fuel quality standards and fostering collaboration. The institute will host educational events and provide training resources.
Boeing and Hindustan Petroleum partnered to advance India’s SAF ecosystem, supporting domestic production and certification. The collaboration aims to align with India’s sustainability goals and reduce aviation emissions.
Twelve raised $83 million to scale its CO2-to-SAF technology, with its AirPlant One facility set to produce E-Jet fuel by 2025. The fuel reduces lifecycle emissions by up to 90%.
Eneos, Mitsubishi to move ahead with sustainable aviation fuel project at Japan's Wakayama - Reuters
Eneos and Mitsubishi will develop a 300,000-tonne SAF plant in Japan by 2028, using waste feedstocks. The project aims to boost domestic SAF production and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
FatHopes Energy and Topsoe signed an MoU to explore SAF production in Malaysia using waste oils. The partnership aims to establish a state-of-the-art refinery supporting global decarbonisation goals.
Washington state awarded $1.5 million to SkyNRG’s planned SAF facility, which will produce fuel from biogenic methane. The $800 million project aims to reduce aviation emissions and create local jobs.
Montana Renewables secured $782 million in DOE funding for its SAF expansion, producing 300 million gallons annually from farming waste. The project supports regional development and reduces emissions.
Haffner Energy and ATOBA partnered to accelerate SAF project financing, addressing challenges in securing long-term offtake contracts. The collaboration aims to boost SAF production and meet EU mandates.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Archer raised $300 million to develop advanced manufacturing for its eVTOL aircraft, targeting defence applications. The funding will support battery and composite production, expanding its market opportunities.
ZeroAvia sold its 600kW electric propulsion system to Jetcruzer for the 500E hydrogen-electric aircraft. The system, certified by the FAA, will enable zero-emission flights by 2028.
Climate Impulse aims to set a record with a nine-day, non-stop flight using green hydrogen fuel cells. The project highlights hydrogen’s potential to decarbonise aviation and other hard-to-abate sectors.
India’s ePlane Company signed a $1 billion deal to supply 788 eVTOL air ambulances, targeting commercial operations by 2026. The aircraft will address urban congestion and improve emergency response.
Eviation paused work on its Alice electric aircraft, laying off staff as it seeks new investment. The company aims to secure long-term partnerships to advance its regional electric flight ambitions.
Volocopter and Jet Systems partnered to bring eVTOL services to France, starting in Paris. The agreement includes aircraft delivery, pilot training, and operations management, expanding urban air mobility.