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    An introduction to eSAF

    An introduction to eSAF

    A fly-in to electro-sustainable aviation fuel, its uses, production pathways, and role in the future of energy decarbonization, diversification and resilience. 

    eSAF 101

    01 Electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF), is a synthetic jet fuel.
    02 eSAF is produced from green hydrogen and a carbon source, such as captured CO₂.
    03 It offers a credible pathway to lower-emission long-distance air travel.

    What is eSAF?

    eSAF, or electro-sustainable aviation fuel, is a synthetic aviation fuel produced using green hydrogen (which is produced from water and renewable energy) and a carbon source such as captured CO₂.

    eSAF is a drop-in jet fuel that can currently be blended up to 50% with fossil jet fuel. The first pathway (using Fischer-Tropsch technology) was approved in 2009.

    What is eSAF used for?

    Because it is compatible with the needs of long-distance air transport, eSAF along with other sustainable aviation fuels are increasingly being seen as important solutions for decarbonizing aviation and fuel diversification.

    Unlike many other low-carbon energy carriers, SAF fuels are tailored for aircrafts that require energy-dense fuels with strict performance and safety characteristics. They can be blended with conventional jet fuel and, over time, support the transition toward lower-emission air travel.

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    How is eSAF produced?

    eSAF is produced by combining renewable hydrogen with a carbon source such as captured CO₂ to create synthetic hydrocarbons suitable for aviation fuel.

    eSAF production often involves several integrated process steps, including:

    • Hydrogen production
    • Carbon capture or sourcing
    • Synthesis gas generation
    • Fuel synthesis (either through Fischer-Tropsch or Methanol-to-Jet)

    There are many technologies and processes that can be used in eSAF production. Topsoe provides the following eSAF solutions:

    •  G2L™ eFuels solution - Enables the production of sustainable synthetic fuels through Fischer-Tropsch, including eSAF, from green hydrogen and biogenic CO2. This process can achieve 100% SAF selectivity. Together with Sasol, Topsoe delivers these solutions through a Single Point Licensor (SPL) framework.
    • eREACT™ Fuels technology  – Electrifies the RWGS process by producing syngas from renewable energy, water and CO2 in a compact reactor. This process consumes roughly 30% less hydrogen per ton of eSAF than standard industry technologies.
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    What role does eSAF play in the energy transition?

    Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, and it is also one of the most important.

    Aircrafts require fuels with high energy density, and alternatives such as direct electrification or hydrogen are more challenging to deploy at scale across much of global aviation.

    eSAF offers a way to reduce emissions while using much of existing aviation infrastructure, including aircrafts, storage, distribution systems, and airport fueling networks. Within some regions like the EU and UK, eSAF is being deployed to meet regulatory requirements and broaden energy resilience through the ability to produce locally.

    eSAF also creates a direct link between renewable power, green hydrogen, carbon utilization, and low-carbon mobility. As a result, eSAF, along with other SAF pathways, are key solutions for decarbonizing long-distance air transport and supporting broader Power-to-X development.

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    Want to discover more in the world of eSAF? Lets talk.

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