Topsoe, a global leader in energy transition technologies, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Zhejiang Jianglan, a subsidiary of Jianglan Energy Group. The partnership aims to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in China through the deployment of Topsoe’s cutting-edge solutions.
The SAF production facility will be located in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang province, in eastern China. Under the agreement, Topsoe will deliver its proprietary HydroFlex® technology along with licensing, engineering support, and technical expertise. The company will also supply specialized catalysts to enable efficient SAF production.
Construction of the plant is slated to begin in September 2025, with full operations anticipated by December 2026. Once operational, the facility is projected to produce 300,000 tons of SAF annually. The initial focus will be on supplying customers in Europe, with future plans to expand into the domestic Chinese market.
The use of Topsoe’s technology is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plant is estimated to avoid approximately 698,000 tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions per year—comparable to preventing the emissions from two million airline passengers traveling between Beijing and Copenhagen.
Commenting on the development, Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, stated:
“This collaboration with Zhejiang Jianglan is an important milestone in scaling up SAF availability, which is critical for decarbonizing air travel. We’re excited to contribute to global energy transition goals through this innovative project.”
Hu Bowei, Chairman of Zhejiang Jianglan Bio-energy Technology Co., Ltd., highlighted the company’s commitment to a sustainable energy ecosystem:
“By building a comprehensive industrial chain from biomass feedstock to green fuel production, and integrating with the Zhoushan oil and gas cluster, we are creating a new engine for low-carbon growth. With support from the Bank of China, we aim to transform the Xiaoguoju Green Petrochemical Expansion Zone into a world-class SAF hub.”
The agreement reflects a growing urgency to expand SAF production worldwide. According to the International Air Transport Association, SAF output is expected to more than double in 2025, reaching 2.1 million tons—still just a fraction of global jet fuel demand. The International Energy Agency emphasizes that SAF must comprise over 10% of aviation fuel consumption by 2030 to stay on course for net-zero emissions by 2050.
