Haffner Energy, a pioneer in renewable energy technologies, has made a bold move by launching SAF Zero, a spin-off company dedicated to accelerating the development and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). With 30 years of innovation and 80 international patents under its belt, Haffner Energy is leveraging its groundbreaking SAFNOCA technology to position SAF Zero as a key player in the fast-growing global SAF market. This strategic move comes at a time when the SAF market is projected to attract over $1 trillion in investments by 2050, further reinforcing the importance of decarbonizing aviation.
SAF Zero will focus on harnessing Haffner Energy’s unique SAFNOCA technology, which converts various types of organic waste and biomass into syngas—a critical component for SAF production. This innovative approach sets SAF Zero apart, offering a solution that is not only sustainable but also adaptable to different production pathways, including Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ), Fisher-Tropsch, and methanol-to-jet technologies. By creating SAF from waste materials, the company helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports the global push toward a net-zero aviation future.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Reach
Haffner Energy’s new spin-off is not starting from scratch. Two major SAF projects are already in development, including a notable partnership with LanzaJet and LanzaTech for the Paris-Vatry SAF initiative. Beyond this, the company is actively involved in bio-SAF and e-SAF projects across America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, indicating the global scope and potential of SAF Zero.
“We need partners to boost our efforts and grow our visibility in the soaring SAF market,” says Marcella Franchi, head of SAF at Haffner Energy. With this clear focus, SAF Zero aims to collaborate with industry leaders and innovators, ensuring that its game-changing technology reaches its full potential in scaling SAF production worldwide.
Financial Growth and Industry Leadership
The creation of SAF Zero allows Haffner Energy to focus its resources on renewable hydrogen, syngas, and methanol markets, while SAF Zero will lead the charge in SAF innovation. By transferring its intellectual property related to SAF to the spin-off, Haffner Energy ensures continued involvement while securing significant financial returns through licensing fees and royalties from future SAF projects. This strategic move is designed to be non-dilutive for Haffner Energy’s shareholders, creating a win-win scenario that drives value without diminishing their stake.
Philippe Haffner, CEO of Haffner Energy, points out that “the SAF market is highly dependent on specialized aviation players. To be a world leader in this specific environment, one must provide the kind of game-changing, operational technology that Haffner Energy provides.” By establishing SAF Zero, the company is creating a powerful lever for growth, enabling large-scale SAF development in collaboration with strategic financial and industry partners.
The Road Ahead: Selecting Partners and Scaling SAF Production
The selection process for strategic partners is already underway, as Haffner Energy seeks to maximize the value of SAF Zero for both the company and its shareholders. With expected investments in the SAF market reaching hundreds of billions of dollars, the company is positioning itself to play a critical role in scaling SAF production and contributing to aviation’s net-zero goals.
VURDHAAN’s Role in the Sustainable Aviation Landscape
At VURDHAAN, we are actively engaged in supporting innovations like SAF Zero that accelerate the aviation industry’s path to sustainability. As experts in navigating aviation’s regulatory frameworks, including CORSIA, EU ETS, and the ReFuelEU mandate, we help airlines and aviation stakeholders integrate SAF into their operations, ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards. Our expertise extends beyond regulatory support to assisting organizations in adopting cutting-edge SAF technologies, making aviation’s transition to net-zero both feasible and efficient.
Haffner Energy’s SAF Zero spin-off is a clear example of how the SAF industry is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of decarbonizing aviation. By leveraging innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, the SAF market is poised for exponential growth, and VURDHAAN is here to support this transformation every step of the way.