NorSAF and KBR Sign Agreement for Europe’s First 100% Drop-In SAF Production Facility
28-05-2026 — NorSAF has signed a permanent licensing agreement with KBR (NYSE: KBR) to deploy PureSAF® technology, invented by Swedish Biofuels AB and exclusively licensed to KBR. The agreement grants NorSAF exclusivity to use the technology, laying the groundwork for Europe’s first commercial-scale facility producing 100% drop-in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF/eSAF).
Unlike conventional SAF that must be blended with fossil kerosene to lubricate and seal aircraft engine components, a 100% drop-in fuel replicates the chemistry of fossil jet fuel and can power existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure at full strength without modification.
Current PureSAF certification allows a 50/50 blend with fossil kerosene. Regulatory approval to use the fuel at 100% drop-in in Europe is underway and anticipated by industry participants in 2026, subject to applicable ASTM approvals.
KBR is the exclusive licensing and commercial deployment partner for the technology developed by Swedish Biofuels AB.
Project progression, including completion of development phases and start of construction, remains subject to securing support and commitments from strategic partners. NorSAF welcomes interest from additional equity investors.
The planned location is the Port of Liepaja, Latvia. Once built, the facility will produce SAF from advanced bioethanol and eSAF from green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂. Using green electricity for electrolysis and combining it with captured carbon will enable a fully green energy cycle. Greenhouse-gas emissions from the proposed process are projected to fall by about 83% versus conventional jet fuel production. Feedstocks will be sourced within Europe to strengthen energy independence and industrial resilience.
With a target capacity of 100,000 tons of SAF/eSAF per year, operations are provisionally expected to begin in 2031, aligned with the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandate targeting 70% SAF by 2050.
“We are delighted to have collaborated with KBR to bring PureSAF technology to Europe,” said Jānis Kisiels, Board Member, NorSAF. “Energy sovereignty is a matter of security. By producing sustainable, 100% drop-in fuels at scale using locally sourced European feedstocks, we are building a resilient, self-sufficient energy ecosystem that reduces dependence on external fossil markets and strengthens Europe’s industrial backbone.”
“We are proud to be part of this pivotal project, which will drive Latvia’s transition toward cleaner aviation and reinforce Europe’s leadership in sustainable fuel innovation,” said Jay Ibrahim, President, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. “Our PureSAF process not only scales SAF production but also enables co-processing of CO₂ and syngas in the same plant to produce a fungible, ready-to-use jet fuel without blending with conventional jet.”
By transforming the Port of Liepaja into a sustainable fuel hub, NorSAF and KBR are positioning Latvia as a vital link in the aviation value chain. NorSAF benefits from Avia Solutions Group’s aviation infrastructure, including its subsidiary Baltic Ground Services with extensive SAF supply and distribution experience.
About NorSAF
NorSAF operates a liquid oil and chemical product storage and transshipment terminal in the Liepaja Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Together with Avia Solutions Group, it is developing the first world-class SAF and synthetic eSAF production facility in the Baltics.
Key project highlights
- Production capacity: circa 100,000 tons of SAF/eSAF annually
- Timeline: targeted start of operations in 2031
- Total project value: over €1 billion
The facility will combine second-generation bioethanol, renewable hydrogen produced via electrolysis, and captured biogenic CO₂ to synthesize aviation fuel, cutting emissions while reusing captured carbon.
The project aligns with the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, which mandates increasing SAF use from 6% by 2030 to 70% by 2050.
What is 100% “drop-in” SAF?
PureSAF is among the first technologies capable of producing 100% “drop-in” SAF. Designed to enable operation of existing aircraft without blending with fossil fuels, subject to applicable certifications, the fuel contains the aromatic components required for compatibility with existing aircraft fuel systems and sealing materials, allowing seamless integration with current engines and airport fuel infrastructure without major mechanical modifications.
About KBR
KBR delivers science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies worldwide. The company employs approximately 36,000 people, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in over 28 countries, providing technology, value-added services and long-term operations and maintenance services.
Source: NorSAF and KBR
