MB Energy and Zaffra sign MoU to advance commercialisation of eSAF in Europe

The partnership marks a significant development and could deliver a valuable contribution for the eSAF market, connecting fuel production with the storage, blending, logistics. and airport supply infrastructure required to deliver synthetic aviation fuel at scale. Together, Zaffra and MB Energy will assess to collaborate to advance the infrastructure and supply chain capabilities needed to scale eSAF, supporting the aviation sector's transition to lower-carbon fuels while strengthening Europe's energy security.

As the aviation industry accelerates its transition toward increasingly ambitious decarbonisation targets and SAF mandates, the partnership could help ensure that airlines and other aviation stakeholders can access reliable, scalable supplies of eSAF. MB Energy's established network of storage terminals, logistics capabilities and strategic access to key aviation hubs would bolster the distribution of Zaffra's future production volumes and support MB Energy's vision to bring e-fuels to market and advance reducing carbon emissions.

Under the MoU, MB Energy will be a potential offtaker for eSAF volumes from Zaffra’s global portfolio of opportunities, supporting the commercial viability of future production. The initial focus of the collaboration will be on Brandenburg eSAF, Germany’s largest eSAF production facility. Brandenburg eSAF is a joint project between Zaffra and ENERTRAG which will produce over 30 000 tpy of eSAF at the PCK refinery in Schwedt from 2030, covering roughly a quarter of Germany's eSAF mandate under the EU's ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. The partnership also envisages MB Energy working with Zaffra to design and provide a comprehensive end-to-end logistical concept for Zaffra’s eSAF project portfolio, including distribution across MB Energy’s markets and to airline customers.

In addition, the companies consider exploring opportunities to secure hydrogen supply for eSAF production through MB Energy’s low carbon fuel infrastructure project New Energy Gate in Hamburg. The cooperation would also support Zaffra’s participation in the European double-sided auction by providing a viable end-to-end supply chain concept linking production, logistics, and customer delivery.

Jan Toschka, CEO of Zaffra said: “Commercialising eSAF requires more than production capacity alone – it requires an entirely new supply and logistics ecosystem. This partnership with MB Energy would be a critical step towards establishing that ecosystem and ensuring that more sustainable fuels can reach customers efficiently, reliably, and at scale.”

Jonathan Perkins, CEO of MB Energy, said: “Building a successful eSAF market requires strong partnerships across the entire value chain – from production and hydrogen supply to logistics, distribution, and customer access. By combining Zaffra’s eSAF development capabilities with MB Energy’s infrastructure and market reach, we would be creating the foundation for a practical and scalable supply chain that can help accelerate aviation’s reduction of carbon emissions in Europe.”

The collaboration would be expected to deliver broader economic and societal benefits, including supporting regional employment through construction, operations, logistics, and associated value chains. By enabling local production, storage, and distribution of eSAF, the partnership would also contribute to greater European energy resilience through diversified fuel supply chains.

Using their shareholders’ proprietary G2L™ eFuels technology which transforms clean electricity, water, and sustainable sources of carbon dioxide into ASTM-certified synthetic aviation fuel (SAF), delivering over 90% emissions reductions, Zaffra is a critical partner in achieving long-term carbon reduction goals for the aviation industry.

As demand for synthetic aviation fuel continues to grow, Zaffra and MB Energy's partnership would aim to establish the foundation for a scalable, reliable, and resilient eSAF supply chain capable of supporting the future needs of the aviation sector.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/the-environment/12062026/mb-energy-and-zaffra-sign-mou-to-advance-commercialisation-of-esaf-in-europe/