Smartenergy, Q8 Aviation sign eSAF offtake agreement

Photo: Smartenergy

Smartenergy, a leading Swiss-based renewable energy investment firm, announced Sept. 30 the signing of a landmark strategic partnership with Q8 Aviation, the international aviation energy arm of Kuwait Petroleum International.

This agreement establishes Q8 Aviation as a cornerstone long-term offtake partner for Smartenergy’s planned production of synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF), marking what Smartenergy said is a pivotal step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the global aviation sector.

Under the agreement, Q8 Aviation will secure access to a share of Smartenergy’s future eSAF output to help it meet the needs of its customers and to comply with eSAF mandate within the REFuelEU aviation and the U.K. SAF mandate.

According to Smartenergy, this partnership aligns with the rapidly growing need for SAF as airlines and regulators push for net-zero emissions targets from aviation, one of the most carbon-intensive and fastest growing forms of transport.

eSAF offers great potential for emissions reduction when produced using green hydrogen from renewable energy and captured biogenic CO2.

eSAF is a drop in fuel that can be seamlessly integrated into existing aircraft and infrastructure, delivering greater than 90 percent lifecycle greenhouse-gas emission reductions compared to conventional jet fuel.

The eSAF is currently in its early stages, expected to play a critical role in meeting the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive and the U.K. SAF mandate, both of which set ambitious decarbonization targets for aviation.

By combining Smartenergy’s leadership in renewable energy and eFuel production with Q8 Aviation’s operational reach, the partnership aims to help close the global supply gap and meet the surging demand for sustainable fuels.

“This is more than just a commercial agreement—it’s a shared commitment to reshaping the future of aviation,” said Horst H. Mahmoudi, chairman and CEO of Smartenergy Group AG. “By working alongside a partner of Q8 Aviation’s caliber and global scale, we are positioning our projects to make a measurable, lasting impact on the future of aviation fuels.”

The partnership will initially focus on Smartenergy’s two flagship eSAF projects in Portugal, Project Galileu and Project Leça, which together are expected to contribute significantly toward Europe’s 2030 eSAF mandate.

Both facilities are being developed to comply with the renewable fuels of nonbiological origin (RFNBO) standards under EU RED III guidelines, ensuring that the fuel meets the highest sustainability and traceability benchmarks.

Q8 Aviation’s decision to secure a long-term eSAF offtake from Smartenergy signals a strong vote of confidence in both the technology and the partnership, Smartenergy stated.

“With its vast global footprint, Q8 Aviation is uniquely positioned to accelerate the adoption of sustainable fuels by providing the necessary scale and infrastructure to deliver eSAF to major international carriers,” Smartenergy said.