KBR has been selected to provide its proprietary PureSAF technology for what is expected to become the largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and e-SAF production facility in Northern Europe, marking a significant step in the region’s aviation decarbonisation efforts.
Under an agreement with NorSAF, one of the leading sustainable aviation fuel producers in the Baltic region, KBR will license the PureSAF technology developed by Swedish Biofuels AB for a new production plant in Latvia. The facility is designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel and e-SAF annually, with commercial operations targeted to begin in 2030, Alchem Pro reported.
The project is backed by Avia Solutions Group and is expected to supply SAF to aviation companies across the Baltics, Northern Europe and other European markets, helping airlines meet increasingly stringent carbon reduction requirements.
The investment comes as the European Union accelerates efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector through its ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. Under the EU’s Fit for 55 climate package, aviation fuel supplied at EU airports must contain at least 6% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, with the blending requirement gradually increasing to 70% by 2050.
KBR said its PureSAF technology offers the ability to produce fully fungible, 100% drop-in sustainable jet fuel that can be used without blending with conventional jet fuel. The technology also enables the co-processing of carbon dioxide and syngas within the same facility, further enhancing its decarbonisation potential.
Jay Ibrahim, President of KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions, said the project would support Latvia’s transition toward cleaner aviation while reinforcing Europe’s leadership in sustainable fuel innovation. He added that the PureSAF process provides a scalable pathway for increasing SAF production and reducing emissions from air transport.
NorSAF Board Member Janis Kisiels said recent global developments have highlighted the importance of energy security alongside sustainability goals. He noted that producing sustainable jet fuel from locally sourced European feedstocks would help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while strengthening the region’s industrial and energy resilience.
The project is expected to position Latvia as a strategic hub for sustainable aviation fuel production in Europe and contribute to the aviation industry’s long-term objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
With growing regulatory support and rising demand for low-carbon aviation fuels, the development represents another milestone in Europe’s transition toward cleaner air transport and a more sustainable energy future.
