Take-off for e-SAF in Europe

In the latest episode of our SAF Talks series, we sit down with Maximilian Held, Aviation Lead at Systemiq and coordinator of Project SkyPower, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the aviation industry.


What is Project SkyPower?

Project SkyPower is a CEO-led initiative with a bold mission: to bring the first large-scale e-SAF plants to final investment decision (FID) by the end of 2025. E-SAF, produced from clean electricity, will be a game-changer for the aviation sector, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuels. With over 50 member organizations from across the European aviation and energy value chain, Project SkyPower is uniting stakeholders to tackle one of the most pressing challenges – turbocharging and scaling this SAF pathway.


Why e-SAF matters

The aviation industry is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, and e-SAF represents a critical pathway to reducing its environmental impact. However, scaling e-SAF production is no small feat. Currently, no large-scale e-SAF project has reached FID, and the industry faces numerous barriers, from perceived regulatory uncertainty to technological, market and financial risks.

In this episode, Maximilian Held breaks down the complexities of e-SAF production, the challenges of aligning diverse stakeholders, and the innovative solutions Project SkyPower is championing. From promoting regulatory certainty to stimulating long-term offtake agreements and developing risk-sharing models, the project is focused on overcoming these hurdles.

The road ahead

The next one to two years are critical. With the ReFuelEU Aviation e-SAF mandate set to take effect in 2030, and construction timelines of three to four years, the clock is ticking to bring e-SAF plants to FID. Maximilian explains how Project SkyPower’s 10-point action plan is designed to accelerate progress, with five high-priority actions that could make or break the success of e-SAF in Europe.

But the vision doesn’t stop there. By 2050, the global e-SAF market could be worth over €350 billion. Europe has the opportunity to position itself as a global leader in sustainable fuel production technology and services. This is not just about reducing emissions – it’s about unlocking a massive economic opportunity and driving innovation in the energy sector.

Find out how Project SkyPower is driving this pathway – and why the next few years are so crucial.