Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  May 31, 2019

KLM invests in sustainable fuel

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has committed itself for a 10-year period to the development and purchase of 75,000 metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel a year, which is expected to deliver a CO₂ reduction of at least 85%, compared to fossil fuel.

KLM is the first airline in the world to invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on this scale, according to a statement from the company. SkyNRG will develop Europe’s first dedicated plant for the production of SAF in the Netherlands. KLM said, “The construction of this facility, which is scheduled to open in 2022, is a concrete step towards fulfilling KLM’s sustainability ambitions and contributing to the broader industry plan ‘Smart and Sustainable.’” 

While sustainable aviation fuel is a necessary short-term option to reduce CO₂ emissions in the short term, in addition to fleet renewal and operational efficiency gains, not enough sustainable kerosene is currently being produced. Beginning in 2022, the new production plant will result in a CO₂ reduction of 270,000 metric tons a year for the aviation industry. “This is an important step for the industry to accommodate the need for carbon emission reduction on the one hand and the increasing demand for sustainable aviation fuel on the other.”

“The advent of aviation has had a major impact on the world, offering a new means of bringing people closer together,” said Peter Elbers, KLM president and CEO. “This privilege goes hand in hand with huge responsibility towards our planet. KLM takes this very seriously and has therefore invested in sustainability for many years.”  KLM”s purchase of 75,000 metric tons of SAF will reduce its CO₂ emissions by 200,000 metric tons a year, which is equal to the emissions released by 1,000 KLM flights between Amsterdam and Rio de Janeiro.