Finnish firm Liquid Sun launches pilot project to produce sustainable aviation fuel from biogenic CO₂ emissions

Finnish company Liquid Sun is launching a globally unique pilot project to produce renewable, sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) from biogenic CO₂ emissions. Originating from research at Tampere University, Liquid Sun has developed a low-temperature electrolysis (LTE) technology that converts CO₂ emissions and renewable hydrogen into eSAF.

For this pilot, the company has partnered with Finnair, ABB, Fortum and Finavia. The pilot production unit will be located in Espoo and is expected to be fully operational in autumn 2025. It represents the first pre-commercial production pilot of its kind, aiming to build a functioning ecosystem and value chain for synthetic fuel production in Finland.

Biogenic CO₂ emissions in Finland are generated by sectors such as the forest industry and biogas plants. The Finnish forest industry alone produces 20 million tonnes annually, with further emissions from biogas facilities. This offers diverse sources for decentralised eSAF production, which could strengthen energy security and help balance the national electricity grid.

“Finland has the opportunity to become a leading producer in the rapidly emerging sustainable aviation fuel market. To achieve this goal, it is critical that the project brings together industrial partners across the eSAF value chain with a shared ambition to accelerate the transition to sustainable fuels,” said Pasi Keinänen, CEO of Liquid Sun.

The regulatory environment is also driving progress. From 2025 the EU aviation blending mandate requires a gradual increase in renewable fuel use. From 2030 this will expand to include fully synthetic fuels made from CO₂. By 2050 the mandate will rise to 70 per cent, with half required to be eSAF. The rules apply to airports with at least 800,000 passengers or 100,000 tonnes of cargo each year, covering Helsinki-Vantaa and Rovaniemi in Finland.

Finavia is backing the initiative. “As the owner of Finland’s airports, we at Finavia want to do everything we can across the aviation value chain to support more sustainable air travel. This means bold climate collaboration with our stakeholders, and actively understanding and testing new technologies across our airport operations,” said Henri Hansson, Senior Vice President at Finavia.

The project has also drawn support from Finnair, Fortum and ABB. Each sees the pilot as a vital step in advancing hydrogen technology, renewable energy and aviation’s energy transition.

“There is a technological race underway to deliver cost-efficient and scalable solutions, and Finland’s conditions and capabilities are highly favourable,” added Keinänen. “We believe rapid piloting and validation is the right approach when building an entirely new industry for synthetic fuels.”

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