Liepaja takes a step toward sustainable aviation fuel: the company LSEZ SIA “NorSAF” launches environmental impact assessment

As part of this process, the potential impact of the plant’s operations and technologies on people and the environment will be analyzed. The technology to be introduced at the NorSAF plant will be supplied by an internationally recognized engineering company that has for years provided technologies for NASA and the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Conducting an environmental impact assessment is a crucial step that demonstrates our commitment to implementing the project in full compliance with environmental protection standards. We are working closely with national authorities and leading environmental experts to ensure full transparency throughout the construction and development process. In production, we plan to use the most innovative technologies available globally proven, safe, and sustainable. These will help Latvia become a hub for the production and export of sustainable energy for the Baltic region, Europe, and the rest of the world,” emphasizes Jānis Kisiels, Board Member of LSEZ SIA NorSAF.

In line with the requirements of the State Environmental Service, the assessment examines how the company’s operations may affect various environmental areas and whether they could result in air, wastewater, or soil pollution that might impact human health, environmental quality, local flora and fauna. When planning its operations, the company must consider several alternative solutions and choose the optimal one to prevent or reduce adverse impacts.

According to the evaluators—representatives of SIA Estonian, Latvian & Lithuanian Environment (ELLE) - experts from many fields are involved in preparing the report. They provide assessments of the potential impacts on areas such as public health and safety, natural values, landscape and cultural heritage, socio-economic changes, and more. In addition, the process considers the views of the municipality, the Nature Conservation Agency, the Health Inspectorate, the National Heritage Board, and other competent institutions.

“Our long-standing experience and expertise in assessing various environmental aspects enable us to deliver a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of an activity that, in the context of Latvia’s national economy and internationally, can be regarded as a new and innovative sector. We will carry out all necessary studies and work with NorSAF to identify optimal solutions and prepare the conditions needed to ensure plant operations that guarantee a high level of environmental and public protection,” explains Aiga Kāla, Board Member of ELLE.

It has already been announced that the NorSAF plant will use PureSAF technology developed by Swedish Biofuels AB. Its exclusive license has been acquired by the U.S. engineering company KBR, which for more than 60 years has supplied cutting-edge technologies and implemented multi-billion-dollar projects for NASA space missions, undertaken assignments for the U.S. Armed Forces, and developed major energy sector facilities worldwide.

“We are committed to protecting the environment and the well-being of local communities. We demonstrate this not only by adhering to strict Latvian and international safety standards but also by choosing the world’s most innovative technologies and partnering with leading experts who share our values. Our technology partner KBR not only delivers solutions powering some of the world’s largest high-capacity industrial complexes—supported by multi-billion-dollar investments—but also supports research in astronaut health, occupational diseases, and other areas to reduce risks in future crewed space missions,” adds Jānis Kisiels.

It is estimated that the new Liepaja plant will produce 100,000 tons of SAF per year, of which approximately 40,000 tons will be eSAF (synthetic sustainable aviation fuel produced from green hydrogen), to be supplied to aviation companies in the Baltics and Northern Europe, as well as exported to other European markets. Production is planned to begin in 2030, with the NorSAF plant becoming the largest SAF and eSAF production facility in Northern Europe. The total project cost is estimated at EUR 500–600 million. In total, around 400 jobs for highly qualified specialists—including managers, engineers, logistics experts, and other professionals—will be created directly and indirectly through the project.