SAF Deep Read: Production, Refining and the Local Value Chain

Typical steps include:

1. Feedstock collection and pre-treatment

Used cooking oils, animal fats, residues, or other types of waste biomass are collected, cleaned, and prepared for processing – all feedstocks that do not compete with food production

1. Conversion / hydroprocessing

The feedstock is treated with hydrogen and catalysts – through processes such as hydro-treatment / hydroprocessing – to transform the molecules into components similar to conventional jet fuel.

1. Separation and quality assurance

After conversion, components are separated, unwanted byproducts are removed, and the final product is tested to meet standards such as ASTM D1655 or D7566 for jet fuel.

1. Blending and logistics

The produced SAF is blended with conventional Jet fuel in approved ratios, stored, transported, and distributed to airports. Every stage requires strict control and testing to ensure safety, maintain quality, and guarantee full traceability.

Producing fuel close to where it is consumed provides several key benefits:

• Reduced logistics and transport costs

Shorter supply chains mean less long-distance transport, fewer intermediaries, and lower costs – cutting emissions from logistics.

• Greater control over quality and integrity

With fewer and more transparent steps in the chain, it is easier to ensure that SAF is blended correctly, handled consistently, and fully traceable back to its certified feedstock. This traceability matters because it proves the fuel's sustainability credentials, prevents double counting, and gives companies the confidence that the emission reductions they report are genuine.

• Robustness and supply security

A local supply chain makes the industry less vulnerable to global disruptions such as geopolitical tensions, supply bottlenecks, or feedstock shortages. This strengthens resilience in critical times and helps ensure stable access to fuel.

• Boost to local industry and innovation

Investments in regional facilities, such as St1's Gothenburg biorefinery, create jobs, build expertise, and stimulate innovation close to where SAF is used.

• Regulatory alignment and support

Authorities are more likely to support projects that deliver local value – both economic and environmental. Local production is also easier to align with regulatory requirements and traceability standards.

AFSN sources much of its SAF from St1, a company we are proud to call our partner. St1 combines Nordic roots with deep expertise in renewable energy and fuel production. St1's Gothenburg biorefinery is one of the most advanced in the region, converting waste-based oils and fats into high-quality SAF and renewable diesel.

What makes this partnership unique is St1's position across the entire value chain – from ownership of bio-feedstock production, through refining and distribution, to an extensive network of fuel depots in Norway. This means that SAF delivered through AFSN is backed by a partner with full oversight and control from raw material to end-user.

There is growing international recognition that producing SAF close to where it is used delivers stronger climate benefits – cutting supply-chain emissions by up to 10–15% compared to long-distance imports. By avoiding unnecessary transport and intermediaries, the overall climate effect of SAF is significantly enhanced.

We believe that proximity to feedstocks and short supply chains are among the most important success factors in making SAF both competitive and credible.

With St1 as a regional refiner and AFSN as the distributor in Norway, companies benefit from SAF that is not only certified and traceable, but also produced and delivered with lower logistics-related emissions and higher efficiency.