EASA: European synthetic aviation fuel plants are still awaiting investment decisions

Commercial-scale production of synthetic aviation fuels in the European Union still depends on projects that have not moved beyond the investment-preparation stage, according to the new report by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). By June 2026, no commercial facility in the EU had reached the final investment decision stage, although pilot and demonstration facilities were operating. The distinction matters for the obligation to supply synthetic fuels starting in 2030: the announced projects may cover the estimated need, but their capacity has not yet been secured.

In brief

EASA’s finding is based on June 2026: no commercial facility in the EU had reached the final investment decision stage. Pilot and demonstration facilities are treated separately.

The estimated capacity of 600,000 tonnes in 2030 includes projects that have not yet been definitively committed. Cancellations and delays have reduced the announced synthetic capacity compared with the previous assessment.

Austria, Germany and Luxembourg are preparing tenders to offer producers more predictable revenues. The report indicates that more than 2.1 billion euros are available for the mechanism, without equating this with completed investments.

Synthetic aviation fuels, known as eSAF, are produced using hydrogen from renewable sources and captured carbon. They are part of the broader category of sustainable aviation fuels, SAF, which also includes biofuels. This distinction is essential for interpreting the report: the favorable outlook regarding achievement of the total 6% SAF share in 2030 does not mean that synthetic fuel production is already ready. These fuels have a separate requirement under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation.

EASA separates existing capacity from projects under construction or those that have received the final investment decision, as well as from projects that remain at the announcement stage but provide sufficient information to be considered credible. An announced project indicates the intention to produce; a final investment decision marks the commitment to proceed with its development. Neither is equivalent to the actual delivery of fuel, which requires the facility to be built and commissioned.

In the scenario that also includes announced projects considered credible, the report estimates a capacity of approximately 600,000 tonnes of synthetic fuels in 2030, sufficient for the European requirements analyzed. This is nevertheless a conditional projection, based on the project inventory at the end of 2025. EASA notes that this announced capacity has fallen compared with the previous assessment, partly because some projects were canceled or postponed their commissioning until after 2030. The agency’s press release indicates that approximately 50 projects are awaiting the final investment decision.

There are, however, facilities demonstrating the technology. The report mentions ERA ONE, commissioned by INERATEC in Frankfurt in 2025, with an announced maximum capacity of approximately 2,000 tonnes of SAF per year, and Synhelion’s DAWN facility in Jülich, which does not produce volumes at commercial scale. The European Investment Bank describes the INERATEC project it is financing as a pilot facility associated with research and development activities. These investments show that the technology is being used, without demonstrating that the volumes required in 2030 are already available.

A development subsequent to the period analyzed by EASA shows what expanding production additionally entails. In a September announcement, INERATEC and Ramboll stated that they were working on the engineering design of an additional unit at ERA ONE. This would transform the synthetic hydrocarbon mixture produced by the facility into aviation fuels compliant with standards, directly on site. The company thus presents a stage of process design and integration, without announcing a final investment decision for the expansion.

To support the transition to commercial production, Austria, Germany and Luxembourg are preparing a two-component tender, one component for purchasing fuel from producers and the other for reselling it. The initiative is part of the eSAF Early Movers Coalition, launched by eight member states. The EASA report mentions more than 2.1 billion euros available for the pilot tender; the amount represents funding earmarked for the mechanism, not investments already made in factories.

According to the European Commission’s explanation, long-term contracts would provide producers with more predictable revenues, while buyers could obtain fuel through competitive shorter-term contracts. The Austrian consultation document specifies that an intermediary would purchase and resell eSAF, while public funds would cover the difference between the two prices. The mechanism is therefore intended to reduce the commercial risk that prevents the financing of the first facilities.

The scheme is not yet a program with confirmed production results. The Austrian ministry’s page indicates a consultation deadline of 18 September 2026 and states that the measure requires approval from the European Commission regarding state aid. Contracts, investment decisions and the commissioning of facilities remain distinct stages. These will determine how much of the announced capacity can become fuel delivered for the obligations beginning in 2030.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/news/easa-fabricile-europene-de-combustibili-sintetici-pentru-aviatie-asteapta-inca-deciziile-de-investitie