Topsoe bags major sustainable aviation fuel project in China
Topsoe, a global leader in decarbonisation technologies, has been selected by Chuangui New Energy Company to provide technology and services for one of China’s largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plants. This marks Topsoe’s second SAF project in China and reflects its growing influence in the global energy transition.
Reaching Final Investment Decision (FID) in December 2024, construction of the Chuangui New Energy company plant has begun. The plant, located in Qinzhou City, is set to commence operations in December 2026. Using Topsoe’s HydroFlex® technology, it will process 300,000 tons of feedstock annually, including used cooking oil, into SAF and renewable diesel. At full capacity, the plant is expected to avoid 800,000 tons of CO₂e emissions annually, equivalent to removing approximately 160,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road.
Elena Scaltritti, chief commercial officer at Topsoe, highlighted the partnership as a significant milestone. “Our partnership with Chuangui New Energy company is an important milestone for the growth of Topsoe’s SAF offering in China and reflects our commitment to scale SAF production across the globe.”
He Xiong, chairman of Chuangui New Energy Company, emphasised the strategic importance of the biomass energy sector. “As one of the important means to promote the transformation of energy structure and achieve the goal of “double carbon” in China, the biomass new energy industry has great prospects for development. After a comprehensive selection, we firmly believe that Topsoe, with its advanced commercial technology and proven solutions, will help us move forward in the field of biomass liquid fuel production.”
This agreement follows a surge in global SAF initiatives, as the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts SAF must comprise at least 10% of aviation fuel consumption by 2030 to meet net-zero targets. Currently, SAF accounts for only 0.2% of global jet fuel demand, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The agreement represents Topsoe’s second SAF project in China, following its selection by Guangxi Free Trade Zone Hongkun Biomass Fuel Co., Ltd in April 2024. It also follows significant growth in Topsoe’s global SAF offering over the last 10 months, signing agreements with Refinaria de Petróleo Riograndense’ Rio Grande renewable fuels plant in Brazil, HOLBORN’s renewable fuels refinery in Hamburg, Germany, Braya Renewable Fuels’ Come By Chance plant in Canada and Cepsa Bioenergia San Roque’s Palos de la Frontera plant in Spain.
