CISAF: Commission approves EUR 290 million State aid to support sustainable aviation fuels in the Netherlands
The purpose of the two aid schemes is to support projects that produce sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at different stages of their development. The schemes will provide support to two promising technology pathways: advanced bio-SAF not produced through the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids process (‘non-HEFA advanced bio-SAF’), and synthetic aviation fuels (‘e-SAF’). Although the schemes share a common budget, one provides investment aid for SAF production, while the other covers the costs of preparatory works for SAF projects including front-end engineering design studies. The approved schemes will support projects estimated to produce around 285 kilotonnes of SAF per year, the equivalent of around 3,500 intercontinental flights.
The aid will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis and will take the form of direct grants payable upon the completion of project milestones. The schemes will cover the period from 2027 until 2031 at the latest. Up to five rounds of funding will take place during this period, depending on the available funding. Beneficiaries of the scheme dedicated to support SAF production will have to prove compliance with the EU criteria for the production of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) or the EU sustainability criteria for advanced biofuels.
The Commission assessed the schemes under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the 2022 Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (CEEAG) and the 2025 Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF). It found that it is necessary, appropriate, and proportionate, that it has an incentive effect, and that it will only have a limited impact on competition and trade within the EU.
The decision will be made available under the case numbers SA.121979 and SA.123605 in the State aid register.
For more information see the Commission’s PR.