SkyNRG gets Dutch government backing to set up a BioPort Holland sustainable jet biofuel supply chain
Tue 12 Nov 2013 – SkyNRG has signed a Letter of Intent with the Dutch government, KLM, Neste Oil, Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam to scale up production of sustainable jet fuels in the Netherlands. As part of its ambitious plans to create ‘BioPorts’ – centres served with affordable sustainable fuel by a dedicated regional supply chain – around the world, SkyNRG will make use of Neste Oil’s renewable diesel plant in Rotterdam to ramp up supply and accelerate next-generation fuel production tracks. The Amsterdam-based company, which claims to be the world’s market leader for sustainable jet fuels, will set up a supply chain with Neste Oil, with a focus on sourcing the necessary feedstock.
SkyNRG says the feedstock will have to meet the strict requirements of both Neste Oil’s technical and sustainability criteria and also its own commitment towards the global Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) standard, which is overseen by SkyNRG’s independent sustainability board. SkyNRG will also carry out research and implementation of other potential supply chain routes in the Rotterdam port area with Neste and other players.
“The Netherlands is uniquely positioned to enable this breakthrough because of the position of the Rotterdam harbour as the biggest biomass port in the world and its pipeline infrastructure to three of Europe’s largest airports,” said Dirk Kronemeijer, SkyNRG CEO. “The country is lucky to be the home base to one of the most active airlines – KLM – and one of the most active airports – Schiphol – in the world in the field of sustainability, as well as the presence of the unique Neste Oil bio-refinery and, of course, ourselves – the global market maker for sustainable jet fuel.
“But what makes this agreement really unique is that we have now also secured extended support from the Dutch government to scale up this vital market in the fight to combat climate change. Our point to the government has been that if we can’t pull it off here, we can’t pull it off anywhere in this field.”
As part of its BioPorts long term development, the company says it is working closely with multiple fuel technology partners to create the best fit for world regions in supplying affordable sustainable jet fuel. In the short term it will co-fund ‘green routes’ such as the ongoing biofuel initiative with KLM on Amsterdam to New York JFK flights.
