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Rotterdam's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Factory
A new factory in Rotterdam will produce sustainable aviation fuel starting in 2030, representing a significant but insufficient step towards decarbonizing air travel.
Dutch
Netherlands
Climate ChangeEnergy SecurityEnvironmentRenewable EnergyAviationIndustrySustainable Fuel
Power2XAdvarioKlmShellNeste
Occo RoelofsenSjoerd BoerZita Schellekens
- What is the purpose of the new factory being built in Rotterdam?
- A new factory in Rotterdam will produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), also known as synthetic kerosene, starting in 2030. This fuel is made from sustainable electricity and CO2, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional kerosene.
- Describe the process of producing synthetic kerosene in the new factory.
- The process involves using green hydrogen and CO2 to create sustainable methanol, which is then converted into synthetic kerosene. The factory will be connected to pipelines supplying airports like Schiphol, Brussels, and Frankfurt.
- How significant is the Rotterdam factory's contribution to sustainable aviation, and what are its limitations?
- While this represents a significant step towards more sustainable aviation, it is still insufficient to fully decarbonize the industry. The 2030 output of the plant will help meet EU mandates, but more production is needed for broader impact.
- What is the projected annual output of the Rotterdam factory and what percentage of Europe's needs will it meet?
- The factory is a collaboration between Power2X and Advario, and will initially produce enough fuel for 7,000 flights between Amsterdam and New York annually. It aims to supply 40% of Europe's required synthetic kerosene by 2030 to meet EU regulations.
- What is the perspective of major oil companies and the initiative's entrepreneurs regarding the future of synthetic kerosene?
- Major oil companies are taking a wait-and-see approach, but Power2X and Advario see opportunity in the growing demand for SAF and believe that this initiative will become a profitable venture and help reduce carbon emissions.