Funding secured
The Concrete Chemicals partnership of Zaffra and ENERTRAG has secured three hundred fifty million euro in public funds to advance Germany biggest proposed sustainable aviation fuel facility. With national and regional approvals complete, the European Commission now conducts a final review. The project will locate in Schwedt Brandenburg and target annual output exceeding thirty seven thousand tonnes, of which thirty thousand will qualify as eSAF under forthcoming European blending mandates.
Integrated carbon and hydrogen sourcing
A noteworthy feature is the plan to source biogenic carbon dioxide from the nearby LEIPA recycled paper plant. By using an existing industrial stream the project avoids the cost and energy penalty of direct air capture while reinforcing a regional circular economy. Renewable hydrogen will arrive through the emerging Hydrogen Core Network. Designing the process around the future pipeline allows early optimisation of electrolyser size and siting, lowering delivered hydrogen cost before full network build out.
Technology stack
Zaffra will combine Sasol Fischer Tropsch synthesis with Topsoe reverse water gas shift and product upgrading technologies inside its G2L eFuels platform. The modular nature of the stack means lessons learned in Brandenburg can be transplanted to other clusters, shortening the learning curve across Europe. An under the radar insight is that high temperature waste heat from the Fischer Tropsch reactor can be cycled back to drive part of the electrolysis system, further trimming electricity demand.
Timeline and jobs
Detailed engineering starts immediately with a final investment decision expected in 2027 and commercial production aligned to the 2030 sub mandate. Approximately four hundred roles will be created during construction followed by more than one hundred permanent positions in operations and maintenance. The project demonstrates how renewable power, industrial heritage and strategic funding can converge to deliver climate progress.
Conclusion
By turning local paper mill emissions into jet fuel, Concrete Chemicals offers a replicable model that strengthens regional economies while advancing European aviation decarbonisation.
Source – GreenAir News