Developed by Zaffra and ENERTRAG, the project represents a new generation of collaboration between energy, industry, and national governments aiming to reduce emissions at scale and build a resilient, homegrown fuel supply chain.
Located in Brandenburg, in close proximity to Berlin airport, it will produce more than 30,000 tonnes of e-SAF each year using biogenic CO₂ captured from LEIPA Georg Leinfelder GmbH, a local manufacturer of recycled paper and cardboard products and green hydrogen generated via renewable power. This will avoid around 100,000 tonnes of fossil CO2 emissions annually, directly contributing to Europe’s target of net-zero aviation by 2050.
Supported by €350 million in public funding from the German federal government and the state of Brandenburg, the initiative plays a pivotal role in implementing Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy and the Federal Sustainable Aviation Strategy. This funding amounts to over 50% of the capital expenditure requirements, enabling competitive economics of the project, while highlighting the federal government's support for the development of a strong e-SAF industry. The project is underpinned by the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which mandates the gradual blending of SAF across European airports.
The project’s Power-to-Liquid (PtL) process integrates renewable power, green hydrogen, and biogenic CO2 through advanced conversion technologies, including an electrified reverse water-gas shift reactor and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. This combination creates synthetic hydrocarbons that can be refined into SAF. Designed for future scalability, the facility will connect to Germany’s hydrogen core network, enabling flexible expansion as hydrogen production grows across Europe.
Technical planning has begun, with a final investment decision expected by 2027 and operations scheduled in 2030. Once operational, Zaffra and ENERTRAG could supply up to 25% of German e-SAF demand under ReFuelEU in 2030-31, marking an important milestone in Europe’s path toward climate-neutral aviation.
By integrating innovation, policy alignment, and cross-sector cooperation, this collaboration provides a tangible example of how large-scale e-SAF production can be realized within Europe. The project not only strengthens the EU’s energy resilience but also demonstrates the practical potential of combining renewable energy and industrial expertise to advance European cleantech leadership.
Author: Jan Toschka
CEO, Zaffra
*Find out more about Zaffra's engagement in the IATA's Strategic Partnerships Program on the partners directory.
