Burckhardt Compression has secured a major order from Technip Energies to supply seven compressors for SkyNRG’s first dedicated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Delfzijl, the Netherlands.

 

The project is widely seen as a milestone in Europe’s push to decarbonize aviation.

 

The DSL-01 plant is SkyNRG’s first greenfield SAF facility built exclusively for sustainable aviation fuel production, with no co-processing of conventional fuels. Once operational, it is expected to produce 100,000 tons of SAF annually, positioning it as a significant early-scale contributor to the emerging global SAF market.

 

At the core of the facility’s operations will be Burckhardt Compression’s API 618 reciprocating process gas compressors, designed to enable safe, reliable, and energy-efficient hydrogen handling—an essential input for SAF production. The equipment will support key process stages, including hydroprocessing and isomerization, used in producing HEFA-based SAF.

 

Aviation remains a major emissions challenge, accounting for an estimated 2–4% of global CO₂ output, with demand for air travel projected to rise sharply in the coming decades. SAF is viewed as one of the most scalable near-term solutions, capable of cutting lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared with fossil jet fuel. 

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set net-zero ambitions for the sector by 2050, with SAF central to that pathway.

 

SkyNRG’s project relies on the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway, which converts renewable feedstocks into drop-in jet fuel compatible with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure.

 

Project leaders emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership.

 

Ed van Popele, Project Director DSL-01, SkyNRG: “We value the good relationship with Burckhardt Compression and have full confidence in their technology and expertise to support DSL-01 — our new SAF facility. The contribution by Burckhardt Compression is essential to ensuring stable and efficient operations from day one.”

 

Frans Jeunink, Project Director, Technip Energies: “SkyNRG has entrusted Technip Energies with the execution of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract for their important sustainable aviation fuel project DSL-01 in Delfzijl. We are very pleased to be working with Burckhardt Compression for the delivery of the reciprocating compressors, crucial for the operation of the SAF plant.”

 

Burckhardt Compression says the deal underscores its growing role in energy transition infrastructure as SAF production scales globally.

 

Fabrice Billard, CEO, Burckhardt Compression: “We are excited to play a key role in the decarbonization of aviation and are grateful for the trust our customers place in our technologies. Our compressors are crucial for the efficient and sustainable production of SAF, and we see significant potential as SAF production scales up globally.”