Norway's armed forces achieve aviation first with biofuels

The Norwegian armed forces have made a breakthrough history with the use of biofuels for business travel from Ålesund airport. This project is part of a strategy ecological aimed at reducing CO2 emissions by 20 % by 2030. From now on, 15 % of defense sector flights will be powered by biofuels, an initiative in collaboration with Finnish energy company St1. This decision underlines Norway's commitment to the energy transition, establishing itself as a leader in the adoption of biofuels. sustainable fuels and influencing public and private sectors to follow suit.

At the heart of today's biofuels story are the norwegian armed forces have just achieved an unprecedented feat. On October 17, a crucial phase was completed at ÅlesundThis marked the start of a new era in military aviation, thanks to the use of biofuels. This pioneering advance promises to change the aeronautical landscape considerably, both nationally and internationally.

Historic agreement with Norwegian Air Shuttle

Defense chief Eirik Kristoffersen stressed the importance of a emissions reduction emissions by 20 % by 2030 as part of the defense industry's climate and environmental strategy. To achieve this, business travel in Norwegian Air Shuttle will now include 15 % of biofuel. This crucial commitment, the most ambitious ever recorded in Norway, is part of a strategic framework aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the Group's activities. military sector.

Norway's pioneering role within NATO

According to Per Arne Johnsen, Acting Director of Procurement at the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency, this unique initiative is attracting international attention. Norway is making an unprecedented breakthrough within NATO, demonstrating that the switching to a more sustainable fuel are possible. This innovative model is a source of inspiration for other nations, encouraging the global energy transition.

An immediate impact on fuel consumption

Thanks to collaboration with the Finnish energy group St1 and the fuel supplier AFSN1 million liters of biofuel have already been delivered to Ålesund, covering 15 % of the defense sector's business travel consumption for the year 2024. This partial replacement of traditional kerosene will help reduce CO2 emissions of over 2,000 tonnes this year, providing a concrete example of the ecological transition underway.

Increasing local production

Eirik Kristoffersen, underlining the importance of security of supply, is aiming for refuelling to take place in Norway itself. At present, no biofuel is not produced locally, but this requirement will eventually encourage increased local production, thus strengthening security of supply while also delivering environmental benefits. These biofuels from the refinery at Gothenburg in Sweden, pave the way for more integrated Nordic production.

Towards more sustainable aviation

According to Henrikki Talvitie, CEO of St1The development of EU-compliant biofuels with a strong focus on sustainability is essential to continue the energy transition. In line with documentation requirements, these biofuels offer around 80 % less greenhouse gas emissions over their entire life cycle, compared with conventional aviation fuels.

Norway's initiatives resonate with those of other countries and companies, all seeking to adjust their carbon footprint in the aviation sector. The future of aviation may well be mapped out by the advances made today in the biofuel technologies.

Comparison: Use of Biofuels in Norwegian Aeronautics

Aspect	Description
Event location	Ålesund Airport Vigra
Date	October 17, 2024
Fuel type	Biofuel
Mixing percentage	15%
Number of business trips concerned	More than a million by 2028
CO2 target	20% reduction in emissions by 2030
Biofuel producer	St1 Gothenburg
Quantity delivered	1 million liters
Emissions reduction 2024	More than 2,000 tonnes of CO2

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