Shell Aviation to support SkyNRG’s sustainable aviation fuel facility

Oil and gas major Shell’s subsidiary, Shell Aviation, intends to support SkyNRG in its development of Europe’s first plant dedicated to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

SkyNRG is leading the construction of the DSL-01 plant in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. Shell Aviation will offer technical and commercial expertise to the project, and will secure the option to purchase SAF produced at the facility.

“Shell Aviation are proud to be part of the DSL-01 project: this first dedicated plant is a crucial milestone in accelerating the supply of sustainable aviation fuels in Europe and will contribute to a reduction in emissions in the aviation sector,” commented Anna Mascolo, vice-president of Shell Aviation. “When it comes to carbon emissions, the aviation industry needs collaboration amongst industry players, it needs support to drive technical innovation and investments, and last but not least it needs a multiple set of solutions that help drive a faster transition to a net zero emissions world. At Shell we have started the journey, although we recognise there is a lot more to do to avoid, reduce and offset carbon emissions.”

The facility is expected to begin commissioning in 2022, with an annual production of 100,000 tonnes of SAF. This equates to a reduction in lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions of around 270,000 tonnes.

In addition to SAF, the plant will also produce naphtha, as well as 15,000 tonnes of bio-liquefied petroleum gas annually as a by-product. Dutch airline KLM has already committed to the development and purchase of 75,000 tonnes per year of SAF from the facility, for a period of 10 years.

Feedstocks for the fuel will be waste and residue streams, including used cooking oil, which will be sourced mainly from regional industries. The plant will be powered by sustainable hydrogen, which will be produced local to the site in the Groningen seaport.

Maarten van Dijk, managing director of SkyNRG, added: “This is an important project for the development of the sustainable aviation fuel market, and with its global operational experience and technical expertise, Shell is a natural partner to help accelerate its progress. The shared ambitions and collaborative approach of the companies involved sends a strong signal to the rest of our industry of the actions required to deliver a sustainable future for aviation.”