Metafuels, a
Switzerland-based aviation technology company developing sustainable fuel
solutions, has been awarded €1.92 million in grant funding to support the
development of its synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) project in the
Port of Rotterdam. The funding was granted to its subsidiary, Metafuels
Nederland B.V., by the Netherlands Enterprise
Agency under the TSE Industry Studies – Hydrogen & Green
Chemistry programme (GroenvermogenNL).
The grant will support key development activities for the Turbe project,
including front-end engineering and design, permitting, and commercial
preparation ahead of a final investment decision. The facility is planned to be
located at the Evos terminal in the Port
of Rotterdam and represents the first commercial deployment of
Metafuels’ proprietary methanol-to-jet technology, aerobrew.
The project is designed as a blueprint for future large-scale facilities and
is targeting production from 2030, in line with emerging regulatory frameworks
such as ReFuelEU Aviation. Its location in Rotterdam provides access to
established infrastructure, logistics networks, and industrial expertise,
supporting the scale-up of synthetic fuel production in Europe.
Metafuels’ approach focuses on converting renewable methanol into drop-in
jet fuel compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure. Compared to
conventional sustainable aviation fuel pathways, the methanol-to-jet process
offers a more scalable alternative and, when powered by renewable inputs, can
significantly reduce lifecycle emissions.
The grant will support critical project development activities through to
final investment decision (FID), including front-end engineering and design
(FEED), permitting and consents, and commercial development.