Sasol and Topsoe Launch Joint Venture Zaffra in the Netherlands
Zaffra lands near Amsterdam Schiphol, the Netherlands and aims to bring sustainable aviation fuel to market
With an aviation sector contributing 2 to 3% of global carbon emissions, the need to find solutions to reduce emissions to limit climate change is pressing. In this context, governments and industry have called for the development and use of more sustainable aviation fuels to decarbonize air transport. The Dutch government is ambitious for the future of aviation and aims it to be safe and sustainable, and that keeps the Netherlands well-connected to the world’s major destinations.
South-African global chemicals and energy company Sasol and the Danish company Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, have heard this call. The companies will supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Amsterdam Schiphol through a joint venture (JV), Zaffra, launched in March 2024, contributing to the decarbonization of the aviation industry and aimed at tackling one of the world’s biggest challenges.
Partnership Zaffra for SAF
As part of the JV, Sasol and Topsoe will use a unique combination of technologies, capabilities, and deep industry experience to scale the production of sustainable aviation fuels. Zaffra will be focused on developing, building and operating sustainable aviation fuel plants, and producing market-ready sustainable aviation fuels.
These fuels will be derived primarily from non-fossil feedstock, utilizing green hydrogen, sustainable sources of CO2 and/or biomass with a specific focus on Sasol’s Fischer-Tropsch processes, which converts H2 and CO into hydrocarbons, and Topsoe’s related technologies. By bringing each other’s unique capabilities, the partnership seeks to bring future-proof solutions to the market.
Overseeing the work as the CEO of the JV, Sasol and Topsoe have appointed Jan Toschka, a seasoned leader in the aviation fuels industry. As President of Global Aviation for Shell, Jan was responsible for Shell’s global network of operations, joint ventures and sales of fuels, lubricants and sustainable solutions to the aviation industry.
Toschka remarked, “Leading Zaffra in this crucial mission is my privilege. The growing demand for SAF will require multiple pathways and Zaffra is in a unique position to become a relevant player in this market. Backed by Sasol and Topsoe’s legacies, our offer combines leading technologies with decades of experience in building and running production assets. We recognize the differences in each opportunity. That’s why I am convinced there is tremendous growth potential for Zaffra, being agile and creative, whilst recognizing it is essential to form partnerships and to collaborate with all stakeholders.”
A sustainable future for all
As two companies in the Chemicals industry pushing to reduce the emissions of the aviation industry, this aligns with the Netherlands’ goals of creating a sustainable future for all by contributing towards its commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership also offers an insight into the rich innovation ecosystem of the Netherlands, which promotes collaboration to find pioneering solutions to global challenges.
With the JV in place and the CEO appointed, Sasol and Topsoe have taken a step towards a brighter, more sustainable future for aviation fuel.
Source: Sasol
14 March 2024