Topsoe, a global technology and solutions provider for the energy transition, has signed a licensing and engineering agreement with Preem, Sweden’s largest fuel company, to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, using Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology.

The demand for SAF is rapidly growing. According to the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Scenario, more than 10% of fuel consumption in aviation by 2030 needs to be SAF to stay on course for net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.

In 2022, the International Air Transport Association estimated global SAF production to make up only around 0.1% to 0.15% of total jet fuel demand.

At Preem’s Lysekil refinery in Sweden, Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology will be utilized in Preem’s IsoCracker—a unit that breaks down molecules into lighter components. Topsoe will thereby supports Preem’s long-term target of producing five million cubic meters of renewable fuels and achieving a climate neutral value chain by 2035. Once the revamped Lysekil refinery starts operating in 2027, Preem will become one of Northern Europe’s biggest producers of SAF.

The partnership builds on years of cooperation with Preem to produce renewable fuels, including at Preem’s refinery in Gothenburg. Together, Topsoe and Preem will work to increase production of renewable fuels, SAF included.

With HydroFlex, customers can convert various fats, oils and greases into drop-in renewable jet and diesel that meet all globally accepted specifications for these fuels. Topsoe’s HydroFlex can be deployed in both grassroots units and revamps for co-processing or fully renewable applications.

Preem is Sweden’s largest fuel company. Preem’s refineries in Gothenburg and Lysekil account for about 80% of the Swedish refinery capacity and approximately 35-40% of the Nordic capacity. Together, they have a total refining capacity of more than 18 million cubic meters per year.