8th of October 2024, Oslo (Norway), Rauma (Finland)
Norsk e-Fuel announces its plans for strategic expansion into Finland by securing exclusive access to 14 hectares of land in Rauma on the western coast of Finland. Together with the energy company Fortum and the Port of Rauma, the project developer will now start with electricity grid connection planning and permitting processes to establish an e-Fuel production facility. This expansion of the project pipeline marks Norsk e-Fuel’s first project outside of Norway, as the company continues to grow its presence in Northern Europe.
From left: Lars Bjørn Larsen (CCO, Norsk e-Fuel, Jari Laiho (Chairman of the Board, Port of Rauma), Jyrki Holappa (Senior Project Manager, Industrial Customer Electrification, Fortum), Karl Hauptmeier (CEO, Norsk e-Fuel)
By signing a strategic partnership agreement with Fortum for site development, Norsk e-Fuel has secured sufficient space for an e-Fuel plant with an annual production volume of up to 100 million litres. Most of the product will be refined into synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) to provide fossil-free fuels to the aviation industry.
“The site in Rauma offers a perfect combination of key factors for a successful e-Fuel project,” says Lars Bjørn Larsen, CCO of Norsk e-Fuel. “With direct sea and rail access, a strong industrial ecosystem for potential synergies, good local partnerships, and readily available excess power nearby, this is an opportunity we’re eager to seize. The project is currently in its early stages, and we are looking forward to starting the development process.”
”The Port of Rauma aims to diversify the flow of goods and contribute to the development of the regional economy. The port’s excellent location and access to raw materials and labor make it an ideal location for new industrial projects. This project is a great opportunity for Rauma and the whole country, an excellent place to get involved in the new green energy transition. Finland needs export projects, which create jobs and tax revenue and increase the value of the manufacturing industry,” adds Janne Virta, CEO of the Port of Rauma.
The Rauma site can play an important role in increasing the supply of e-SAF across Europe. EU regulations require aviation fuel suppliers to gradually increase the share of e-SAF blended with conventional aviation fuel at EU airports, starting with a blending obligation of 1,2% in 2030 and rising to 35% by 2050. Given the energy-intensive nature of e-SAF production, reliable grid connection and availability of clean power are essential.
“Fortum is dedicated to driving the transition to a clean energy future. We are pleased that Norsk e-Fuel is looking at Rauma as a location for their new production facility. Reducing emissions is a joint effort, and it requires the support and engagement of all stakeholders, including local communities, industry partners, and policy makers. Our role is to support industries that help meet climate change targets through collaborative site development and energy partnerships,” says Urs Pennanen, SVP Corporate Customers from Fortum.
With a strong focus on carbon capture and utilisation measures, planning certainty for grid connection and a strong willingness to establish energy-intensive clean industries, Finland offers an excellent base for e-Fuel production. The expansion aligns with Norsk e-Fuel’s long-term strategy to establish a strong of e-Fuel industry across the Nordics and Europe, supporting the continent’s goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.