Nordic Electrofuel, a leading producer of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), has unveiled its ambition to establish an e-SAF production plant in the Sultanate of Oman. This initiative is part of the company’s broader efforts to support the aviation industry’s decarbonization goals using innovative and sustainable fuel solutions. The announcement, made by Chief Executive Gunnar Holen in an interview with Argus Media, signifies Oman’s growing role in the global push for greener aviation.

Leveraging Oman’s Green Hydrogen Potential

Nordic Electrofuel plans to harness Oman’s burgeoning green hydrogen industry as feedstock for its proposed e-SAF plant. Renewable hydrogen, derived from Oman’s high-quality solar and wind resources, will serve as the foundation for the production of low-carbon jet fuel. This initiative aligns with the Sultanate’s vision to become a hub for green energy and sustainable aviation solutions.

What is e-SAF?

Electro-sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) is produced using renewable electricity to extract hydrogen from water via electrolysis. The hydrogen is then combined with carbon dioxide (CO₂) captured from the atmosphere or industrial processes, resulting in a sustainable jet fuel that significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.

Nordic Electrofuel’s proprietary Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technology underpins this process. By utilizing renewable hydrogen and CO₂, the company can produce SAF that meets the stringent requirements of the aviation industry while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Nordic Electrofuel’s Global and Regional Plans

The proposed e-SAF plant in Oman is part of Nordic Electrofuel’s larger strategy to develop a global network of sustainable fuel production facilities. By 2033, the company aims to achieve an aggregate production capacity of 1 billion liters of low-carbon jet fuel annually.

A pilot plant in Norway’s Porgrunn district, set to launch by 2027, will serve as a model for future facilities. This plant is expected to produce 10 million liters of synthetic fuels per year.

In the Middle East, Nordic Electrofuel has already secured approvals for a 350 million liters per year e-SAF plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, with a target operational date of 2029. The Oman project, while still in the planning phase, will draw on feedstock from the Sultanate’s emerging green hydrogen infrastructure.

Oman’s Push for a Sustainable Aviation Hub

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Oman is actively working to attract local and international investments in sustainable aviation fuel production. Since hosting the Sustainable & Low Carbon Aviation Fuel forum in October 2023, several initiatives have been announced to position Oman as a leader in e-SAF production.

Key Initiatives

1. OSCAR Consortium: The Oman Sustainable Cars and Aviation Refuelling (OSCAR) consortium, which includes OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), Dutco, Sumitomo Corporation Middle East FZE, Automobili Lamborghini SpA, and Airbus, is studying the feasibility of producing e-gasoline and e-SAF.
2. SkyNRG Partnership: Netherlands-based SkyNRG has signed an MoU with the CAA to explore the development of an e-SAF facility in Oman.
3. Wakud Bio-refineries: Local startup Wakud has announced plans to establish two major bio-refineries for e-SAF production, with an investment of $630 million.

Benefits of Nordic Electrofuel’s Investment

Nordic Electrofuel’s proposed e-SAF plant will bring multiple benefits to Oman, including:

• Economic Growth: The project will attract investments and create job opportunities in the renewable energy and aviation sectors.
• Environmental Impact: By producing low-carbon jet fuel, the plant will support global efforts to reduce aviation-related emissions.
• Energy Diversification: The initiative will enhance Oman’s green energy portfolio and strengthen its position as a leader in renewable hydrogen production.

Global and Regional Impact

As airlines worldwide strive to meet decarbonization targets, the demand for sustainable aviation fuels is set to rise significantly. Nordic Electrofuel’s projects in Oman and Saudi Arabia will play a crucial role in meeting this demand, contributing to the global transition toward greener aviation.

Conclusion

Nordic Electrofuel’s decision to invest in Oman underscores the Sultanate’s potential as a hub for sustainable aviation fuel production. By leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and fostering international partnerships, Oman is poised to become a key player in the aviation industry’s decarbonization journey. The proposed e-SAF plant represents a significant step forward in aligning the nation’s energy strategy with global sustainability goals.

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