Building eSAF Value Chains in Finland: Insights from a recent Impact Assessment Discussion
Hydrogen Cluster Finland, in partnership with CLC, Finnair, and AFRY, recently organized an eSAF Impact Assessment Webinar. The session featured an impact assessment study conducted by AFRY and brought together key stakeholders to explore how Finland can scale eSAF production to capture its full economic potential.
The Finnish eSAF ecosystem has set an ambitious target of producing 60,000 tonnes of eSAF by 2030 and 250,000 tonnes by 2035. Reaching these levels would be a significant step in building a competitive, export-driven hydrogen and e-fuels industry in Finland while simultaneously supporting our nation’s energy independence. The study showed that scaling hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) production is not only a climate and energy security solution but also a major economic opportunity.
By reaching the 2030 target of 60,000 tonnes of eSAF production, Finland could generate approximately EUR 410 million in annual added value for the national economy and create around 510 jobs each year. The construction phase alone could create up to 11,000 person-years of employment. This national economic impact is strongly linked to both the eSAF production facility and the required additional renewable electricity generation, underlining the systemic nature of the hydrogen and e-fuels value chain. This highlights both immediate economic stimulus and long-term growth potential.
One of the key takeaways from the webinar is the importance of domestic value creation. If the local share of eSAF production technologies and CO₂ capture equipment can be increased, the overall added value could nearly double. This underscores a critical point: innovation and technology development are not optional—they are essential for capturing the full economic benefits. Strategic investments in Finnish and European technologies will determine how much value remains within the region.
At the same time, market creation remains a key challenge. Launching eSAF production in Finland will require targeted national policy measures to mitigate market and offtake risks among stakeholders. One promising approach is to use aviation-related ETS revenues to support the first eSAF purchase agreements and help kick-start the market. Combined with future tax revenues from eSAF production, these instruments could provide a cost-efficient way to accelerate market development.
If successfully implemented, Finland can become a frontrunner not only in eSAF production but also in building scalable, exportable solutions for the transition to sustainable aviation.
Read more about AFRY’s study here:
eSAF Impact Assessment_AFRY (in English)
eSAF lead market ecosystem is an open ecosystem catalyzed by Hydrogen Cluster Finland. it aims to that in Finland, 60 000 tons of eSAF is produced by 2030 and 250 000 tons by 2035 while mandates are as decided and book and claim system is up and running. If you want to join our ecosystem and support these targets to be fulfilled, please send email to riitta.silvennoinen@h2cluster.fi and I will add you to our mailing list. You can also subscribe to our eSAF newsletter here.
