BP, Rosneft join German sustainable aviation fuels initiative

The Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany (aireg) has welcomed two new members: Rosneft Deutschland and BP Europa.

Founded in 2011, the German initiative aims to promote the research, production and usage of sustainable aviation fuels in Germany.

Members of aireg include universities, research institutions, plant manufacturers and operators, petroleum companies, engine and aircraft manufacturers, airports and airlines, who have a common goal of reducing carbon emissions in aviation through the use of alternative fuels.

Oil major Rosneft’s biofuels commitment

“Rosneft Deutschland currently produces around 300,000 tonnes of jet fuel annually and implements into-plane aviation fuel supply in Munich, Berlin-Tegel, and Berlin-Schönefeld airports,” commented Brian Chesterman, general director at Rosneft subsidiary Rosneft Deutschland. “The company aims to not only contribute to the increased supply needed to meet the growing demand for jet fuel but also contribute to enhance its environmental performance.”

The Russian oil company subsidiary currently blends over 400,000 tonnes of biofuels annuals across three refineries for use in the transportation sector.

“Rosneft has extensive know-how in the production and processing of crude oils,” said Melanie Form, member of the aireg board. “In Germany, Rosneft is represented with its Jet A-1 Fuel for refuelling at numerous German airports. We are delighted to have won Rosneft as a member of aireg and look forward to investigating future possibilities to develop and market sustainable kerosene.”

BP’s plans to commercialise sustainable aviation fuel

BP subsidiary BP Europa is the most recent member to join the German initiative. Its Air BP brand is one of the world’s leading suppliers of aviation fuel products and services, fuelling over 6,000 flights every day across 850 locations.

The company is committed to developing and commercialising sustainable aviation fuel to help its customers meet the International Air Transport Association target of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.

“Aviation biofuels are playing an increasingly important role in the development of energy and climate policy,” said Jürgen Kuper, Air BP general manager for Continental Europe. “At Air BP, we welcome policies which promote the development of sustainable and low carbon biofuels and are developing innovative solutions to shape the future of the industry, together with our customers. We look forward to forging a sustainable future for aviation in Germany alongside aireg.”

Chairman of the aireg board Siegfried Knecht added: “We are extremely happy that, as a leading aviation fuel supplier, BP has allowed us to welcome them as our newest member. Working closely together, we will be able to pursue our shared goal of promoting the development and commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuels and thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are committed to advancing a cleaner and more sustainable aviation.”