Liquid Sun to Launch eSAF Production Pilot Facility in Finland

Finnish climate-tech startup Liquid Sun has announced a pilot project to produce sustainable aviation fuel, partnering with key industry players including Finnair, ABB, Fortum, and airport operator Finavia. The pilot electro-fuel production facility, to be located in Espoo, Finland, is expected to become fully operational in the autumn of 2025. This initiative aims to advance aviation decarbonization by converting biogenic carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into a synthetic fuel suitable for commercial aircraft.

The project represents a critical step in the development of electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF), a synthetic fuel produced using renewable electricity. The core technology, which originated from research at Tampere University, focuses on a process known as Low-Temperature Electrolysis (LTE) to create the fuel. This power-to-liquid technology is considered essential for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, where direct electrification is not currently feasible.

The eSAF Production Process

Liquid Sun's process begins with capturing biogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which are greenhouse gases originating from organic materials like forestry or biogas plants. These emissions are part of the natural carbon cycle. The captured biogenic CO₂ is then combined with green hydrogen, which is produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. The resulting product is a drop-in electro-fuel, or e-fuel, that can be blended with conventional jet fuel without requiring modifications to existing aircraft or airport infrastructure.

Finland is positioned as a strategic location for such an enterprise. According to a Liquid Sun press release, the country's robust forest industry generates approximately 20 million tons of biogenic CO₂ annually, providing a substantial feedstock for e-fuel production. Furthermore, Finland's well-developed grid infrastructure and access to abundant green electricity create a favorable environment for scaling up this technology.

A Collaborative Ecosystem

The project brings together a consortium of partners, each contributing specific expertise. Finnair, as a potential end-user, provides the airline industry perspective and supports the development of a domestic supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Fortum offers its expertise in clean energy production, while ABB provides critical automation and electrification technology. Finavia's involvement ensures that integration with airport logistics and fueling operations is considered from the outset.

“Finland has the opportunity to become a leading producer in the rapidly emerging sustainable aviation fuel market,” said Pasi Keinänen, CEO of Liquid Sun. “To achieve this goal, it is critical that the project brings together industrial partners across the eSAF value chain with a shared ambition to accelerate the transition to sustainable fuels.”

Riku Aho, Vice President of Energy Transition at Finnair, added, “Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, and its energy transition will require new innovation and collaboration across the value chain. We want to contribute to developing Finland's capability in synthetic aviation fuel production while advancing the industry's carbon neutrality goals.”

Regulatory Context and Market Demand

The timing of the Liquid Sun pilot project aligns with increasing regulatory pressure from the European Union. The ReFuelEU Aviation Mandate is set to compel fuel suppliers to incorporate a growing percentage of renewable fuels starting in 2025. A specific sub-mandate for synthetic fuels like eSAF will take effect in 2030, requiring a 1.2% blend at major EU airports. This requirement is scheduled to increase significantly over the following decades, reaching 35% by 2050.

This regulatory framework creates a guaranteed market for eSAF producers and incentivizes airlines to secure future supplies. By developing a domestic production capability, Finland and its industrial partners can reduce reliance on imported fuels and establish a competitive advantage in a growing global market. The official project announcement highlights the shared ambition to accelerate this transition.

What Comes Next

The immediate focus for Liquid Sun and its partners is the construction and commissioning of the pilot facility in Espoo. The target for the unit to be fully operational is autumn 2025. Success at this pilot stage would provide the necessary data and operational experience to plan for larger, commercial-scale production facilities. The project's progress will be closely watched by the aviation industry as a key test case for the viability and scalability of eSAF technology.

Why This Matters

This project is a tangible step toward creating a viable alternative to fossil-based jet fuel, addressing one of the most significant challenges in global climate policy. It demonstrates a practical, collaborative model for decarbonization that integrates energy producers, technology providers, and airlines. For the aviation industry, the success of ventures like Liquid Sun is essential for meeting both regulatory mandates and long-term carbon neutrality targets.

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