SkyNRG and KLM have celebrated the official start of construction of DSL-01, the first facility in the Netherlands fully dedicated to the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Located in Delfzijl, the project will aid in the scaling of SAF production in the Netherlands, as well as the wider advancement of the decarbonisation of aviation.
Developed by SkyNRG, DSL-01 is the first commercial-scale SAF plant globally to secure non-recourse project financing, highlighting confidence in scalable SAF production and establishing a model for future sustainable fuel projects across the world.
KLM Dutch Royal Airlines is the primary off-taker for the SAF produced, and plays a key role in enabling the project through its long-term offtake commitment.
Marjan Rintel, CEO KLM, said:As the world’s first airline, our long-term offtake guarantee directly contributes to the financing and realization of this facility. And today, this project finally becomes tangible as we celebrate the groundbreaking together with SkyNRG and other guests.
I’m proud that KLM, as a founding member of SkyNRG and its largest DSL-01’s fuel customer, is taking an important step in scaling up SAF production in the Netherlands and advancing the sustainability of aviation.
Once up and running in 2028, the facility is expected to produce roughly 100,000 tonnes of SAF per year using low-quality feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, residual fats and greases.
Through this, the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway, the facility will produce SAF with lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional jet fuel whilst also generating renewable co-products including propane, butane, and naphtha.
In recognition of the project’s strategic value within the Northern Netherlands’ energy transition, SkyNRG has been awarded a subsidy of 16 million EUR through the European Just Transition Fund (JTF) and on behalf of the JTF partners in the north, the Northern Netherlands Alliance (Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland).
The investment will support the region’s shift from a fossil fuel-dependent economy following the cessation of gas extraction in Groningen, enabling a drive toward more sustainable innovation, new economic activity, and future-proof employment opportunities.
The creation of DSL-01 will generate more than 100 direct jobs, and serve to strengthen the Northern Netherlands as a leading European hub for sustainable industry, innovation, and energy transition. It will play a key role in the continued development of the regional industrial cluster while contributing to European and global climate goals.
Maarten van Dijk, CEO SkyNRG, said:The start of construction of DSL-01 marks a defining moment for sustainable aviation. This project demonstrates that large scale SAF production is moving from ambition to implementation.
Together with committed partners like KLM, we are building critical infrastructure that will help accelerate aviation transition towards lower emissions while strengthening Europe’s sustainable fuel industry.
The project will also create more than 100 direct jobs, further reinforcing the northern Netherlands as a leading hub for industry innovation and energy transition.
