TotalEnergies to produce SAF at Antwerp site

French energy major TotalEnergies announced it plans to reconfigure its petrochemicals operations at the Antwerp platform to produce 50,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The production will be done through the coprocessing and is expected to begin operations in 2025. Coprocessing is a SAF production method that enables the simultaneous treatment of hydrocarbons and biomass in a conventional refining unit.

“By adapting and investing regularly in our Antwerp site, we’re securing its long-term future and ensuring that this integrated refining and petrochemicals platform remains TotalEnergies’ most efficient in Europe. Whether the aim is to meet market challenges or contribute to decarbonization and the energy transition, the platform can be reconfigured so that it remains competitive and continues to provide jobs well into the future,” said Ann Veraverbeke, managing director of TotalEnergies Antwerp.

The company said the decisions to repurpose the refinery stems from the considerable overcapacity in the petrochemicals market.

TotalEnergies said the project is subject to the legally required employee consultation and notification process, which TotalEnergies will initiate with representatives of Antwerp platform employees in late April.