Vestas is set to pilot the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the Baltic Eagle Wind Farm in the Baltic Sea in 2024. This innovative project involves using helicopters powered partly by SAF to transport Vestas technicians and jack-up vessel crew during the construction of 50 offshore wind turbines.
SAF, produced from bio-waste materials like used cooking oil or tallow, offers a more sustainable alternative to conventional jet fuel by significantly reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel.
The pilot project, scheduled to run until September 2024, will see helicopters from Leonardo S.p.a. operated by HeliService flying on approximately 40 percent SAF, provided by DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark A/S. This blend rate is one of the highest currently permitted and marks the first time SAF-fueled helicopters with such a high blend rate are used during the construction phase of an offshore wind farm.
Vestas anticipates a reduction in CO2 emissions of about 32 percent per flight compared to helicopters powered by conventional jet fuel. The impact of SAF on the project will be assessed following the pilot’s conclusion.
This initiative aligns with Vestas’ sustainability strategy, which aims for carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030 and a 45 percent reduction in supply chain emissions per megawatt-hour generated.
Offshore wind projects typically produce higher CO2 emissions during construction and service operations than onshore projects, necessitating innovative solutions like SAF to achieve carbon neutrality.
“There is a significant need for more sustainable solutions during these wind farms’ construction and operation phases. The potential for using SAF in offshore operations is high and we are pleased to further exploit this potential,” said Kieran Walsh, Senior Vice President and Head of Construction at Vestas Northern & Central Europe.
“The delivery of SAF to Roskilde Airport, which will serve as a helicopter base during Vestas’ pilot project, marks another milestone in our efforts to support the growing demand for alternatives to conventional jet fuel,” added Sune Petersen, Head of Strategy and Sustainability at DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark.