Shell’s new factory to supply aviation with 820,000 tonnes of SAF in 2024
Shell is planning to produce biofuel in Pernis, near Rotterdam. A new factory will be built, which by 2024 will be able to supply around 820,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, made from frying fat and plant residues. A similar factory will be established in Amsterdam and Delfzijl, in which KLM is a partner.
The new Shell plant in Pernis will be the largest of its kind in Europe. According to Shell's plans, the sustainable fuel could prevent 2.8 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Shell is transforming its refineries (of which the company had 14 worldwide by October 2020) into five energy and chemical parks. This is part of the company's Powering Progress strategy. Shell aims to reduce the production of traditional fuels by 55 per cent by 2030 and provide more low-carbon fuels, such as biofuels for road transport and aviation, and hydrogen.
Low-carbon fuels from waste
The Pernis/Rotterdam biofuels plant is expected to start production in 2024. Using advanced technology developed by Shell, the plant will produce low-carbon fuels from waste such as used cooking oil, animal fat and other industrial and agricultural residues. The waste oils and fats are supplemented with certified sustainable vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil until more sustainable raw materials become widely available.
Besides Shell, Neste also produces sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Rotterdam. Similar factories must also be established in Amsterdam and Delfzijl, in which KLM is a partner, among others.
