The aviation industry is at a crossroads. Responsible for around 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, projected to double by 2050 if left unchecked, the sector faces mounting pressure to decarbonise. One Dutch company is leading the charge toward cleaner flight: SkyNRG, an Amsterdam-based pioneer in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), has secured €300 million to accelerate its global expansion.
The funding round signals strong confidence in SAF’s future role in aviation. Dutch pension asset manager APG led the investment with €250 million on behalf of pension fund ABP, while returning investor Macquarie Asset Management contributed €50 million. This capital will fund the construction of three large-scale SAF production facilities across Europe and North America, bringing clean jet fuel closer to mainstream adoption.
Arjan Reinders, Head of Infrastructure Europe at APG, emphasised that “SkyNRG is a frontrunner in the SAF market, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong commercial focus,” positioning this investment as part of APG’s ambition to invest at the forefront of energy transition assets.
The story of SkyNRG: from Dutch roots to global reach
SkyNRG’s expansion centres on a flagship SAF facility in Delfzijl, the Netherlands — a cornerstone for European SAF production. Connected to Schiphol Airport through existing pipelines, the plant is ideally positioned to meet new EU regulations like ReFuelEU Aviation, which mandate increasing SAF usage across the bloc.
The facility, developed with Swedish energy firm Skellefteå Kraft, will produce 100,000 tonnes of SAF annually. Using green hydrogen (from water and renewable electricity) and captured CO₂, its e-fuel production method reduces lifecycle emissions by over 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
SkyNRG’s ambitions extend further. The company is developing Project SkyKraft, another e-fuel plant with Skellefteå Kraft in Sweden. Across the Atlantic, Project Wigeon in Washington State will convert biogenic methane from landfill waste and manure into SAF and renewable diesel. Backed by U.S. incentives, this project promises environmental and economic benefits, creating hundreds of jobs while demonstrating effective public-private collaboration in clean energy.
Building a net-zero aviation future
Founded in 2009 by Maarten van Dijk and Theye Veen, SkyNRG grew from a vision to integrate aviation into the bio-based economy. Their founding focus, reducing emissions, enhancing energy security, and driving green innovation, remains central to their mission today.
The company strives to establish sustainable aviation fuel as the new global standard, supporting aviation’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. SkyNRG builds SAF production capacity, manages supply and distribution, ensures sustainability through certified feedstocks, develops regional supply chains, and helps partners meet decarbonisation goals.
SkyNRG distinguishes itself through complete control of the SAF value chain. Unlike oil giants like Shell or TotalEnergies, which focus on specific segments, SkyNRG manages everything, from sourcing and certification to blending and distribution, ensuring a more sustainable, transparent, and reliable supply.
Corporate climate action, reinvented
An independent Sustainability Board guides SkyNRG, comprising experts from WWF International, the European Climate Foundation, and the University of Groningen. This board enforces strict environmental and ethical standards, permitting only sustainable feedstocks like waste oils and agricultural residues, without compromise.
In 2011, SkyNRG achieved a milestone by powering the first commercial SAF flight with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Today, it supplies over 50 airlines and major corporations worldwide, with long-term SAF purchase agreements worth €4 billion demonstrating industry confidence.
The company is revolutionising corporate climate engagement through its “Board Now” program. This program enables companies like PwC, Microsoft, and Skyscanner to invest directly in SAF and offset travel emissions, creating an effective model for corporate climate action.
Projects like DSL-01, a regional supply chain in the Netherlands, showcase SkyNRG’s dedication to reducing transport emissions and supporting local economies. These local hubs make SAF greener, more affordable, and more accessible.
Behind SkyNRG: Leading the SAF value chain
As the first company to supply SAF for commercial flight (KLM, 2011), SkyNRG has grown to serve over 40 airlines globally, becoming a trusted industry leader. Unlike competitors such as TotalEnergies or Shell, SkyNRG manages the entire SAF value chain, from sourcing to distribution, certification, and price gap co-funding, enabling superior quality control and reliability.
The company reduces the cost difference between SAF and conventional jet fuel through co-funding partnerships with airlines, corporations, and logistics partners. By developing regional supply lines like DSL-01, SkyNRG cuts transport emissions, boosts local economies, and strengthens supply resilience.
SkyNRG leads in SAF market research, technology development, and advisory services, guiding airlines, airports, and governments toward faster SAF adoption and policy implementation. Their “Board Now” initiative allows companies to invest directly in SAF and reduce travel emissions, exemplifying effective corporate climate action.
SkyNRG’s strict sustainability standards and independent oversight set it apart in the competitive landscape. While Neste and World Energy focus on scale, and LanzaTech advances carbon recycling, SkyNRG’s comprehensive value chain integration, regional approach, and corporate engagement programs make it unique.
Above all, SkyNRG exemplifies the power of collaboration — uniting airlines, governments, investors, and environmental groups to prove that aviation decarbonisation succeeds when innovation meets partnership.
