The LSEZ SIA “NorSAF” company from Liepaja and the U.S. Company KBR Sign Licensing Agreement for SAF and eSAF Production in Latvia for the European Market

“NorSAF”, an oil and chemical product storage and transshipment terminal planning to build Northern Europe’s largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF and eSAF) production plant in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone (LSEZ), has signed a perpetual licensing agreement with U.S.-based engineering company KBR for the implementation of the PureSAF® technology. The technology was developed by Swedish company Swedish Biofuels AB, while KBR serves as its exclusive global commercialization partner. The agreement grants “NorSAF” exclusive rights to use the technology, laying the foundation for Europe’s first commercial-scale facility capable of producing 100% so-called “drop-in” sustainable aviation fuel ready for direct use without blending with fossil fuels.

Unlike conventional sustainable aviation fuels, which can only be used when blended with fossil fuels, a key advantage of PureSAF lies in the presence of aromatic components in the fuel, ensuring compatibility with all modern aircraft engines. This enables the fuel to be used within existing aviation infrastructure without significant technical modifications.

The plant is expected to commence operations in 2031, producing 100,000 tons of SAF/eSAF annually. The future facility will produce SAF from CO₂ and second-generation bioethanol, as well as synthetic aviation fuel (eSAF) from green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂. By using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen through electrolysis and combining it with captured carbon, the project will establish a fully integrated green energy cycle. Estimates indicate that greenhouse gas emissions from the process will be approximately 83% lower than those associated with conventional aviation fuel production. All feed stocks are planned to be sourced within Europe, strengthening the continent’s energy independence and industrial resilience.

The project is being developed in line with the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which will provide a gradual increase in SAF use in aviation from 6% in 2030 (including at least 0.7% eSAF) to 70% in 2050 (including at least 35% eSAF). Fuel produced in Liepaja will be supplied to European aviation companies, helping reduce their carbon emissions. By developing the Port of Liepaja into a sustainable fuel hub, “NorSAF” and KBR will position Latvia as an important player on the global aviation map.

“We are pleased to collaborate with KBR in introducing PureSAF technology to Europe. Global developments in recent years have clearly demonstrated that energy independence is no longer solely an economic issue — it is also a priority for national and regional security. By producing sustainable 100% drop-in fuel from feedstocks sourced in Europe, we are creating a resilient and self-sufficient energy ecosystem that reduces dependence on external fossil fuel markets and strengthens European industry,” said Jānis Kisiels, Member of the Board of LSEZ SIA “NorSAF”.

“We are proud to be part of this important project, which will support Latvia’s transition toward cleaner aviation and reinforce Europe’s leadership in sustainable fuel innovation. PureSAF technology not only enables significant scaling of SAF production but also allows the use of both CO₂ and synthesis gas within a single facility to produce fully compatible aviation fuel without the need for blending with conventional fuel,” said Jay Ibrahim, President of KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions.

Further development of the project, including the start of construction at the Port of Liepaja, will depend on securing the necessary support and the involvement of strategic partners.

The PureSAF technology was developed by Swedish company Swedish Biofuels AB, while KBR is the exclusive licensing and commercialization partner. At present, PureSAF technology is certified for use in a 50/50 blend with fossil fuel, while certification for 100% drop-in use is currently progressing in Europe. Industry stakeholders anticipate that the required approvals from ASTM International — the global standards organization responsible for technical standards for aviation fuel producers — could be obtained as early as this year. In test flights conducted by the Swedish Armed Forces and the U.S. Air Force, PureSAF has already demonstrated its ability to fully replace conventional aviation fuel, behaving like Jet A-1 fuel even without blending with fossil fuels. By comparison, SAF produced using other technologies must always be diluted with fossil fuel at ratios of approximately 10–50%, whereas PureSAF fuel can also be used undiluted, significantly helping to reduce dependence on oil and decarbonize aviation.

About “NorSAF”

LSEZ SIA “NorSAF” is a Latvia-based liquid petroleum products and chemical storage and transshipment terminal, as well as a sustainable aviation fuel developer. Together with Avia Solutions Group - the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) service provider — the company is developing the Baltics’ first world-class SAF and synthetic SAF (eSAF) production facility in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone. The total value of the project exceeds EUR 1 billion. “NorSAF” will leverage Avia Solutions Group’s aviation infrastructure, including the SAF supply and distribution expertise of Baltic Ground Services.

About KBR

KBR provides science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies worldwide, including NASA and the U.S. Armed Forces. The company employs approximately 36,000 people delivering services to clients in more than 80 countries and operating in 28 countries. KBR specializes in providing technology, high-value services, as well as long-term operations and maintenance solutions.