An innovative technology that uses zero-emission hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide to produce synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) is the latest investment by ORLEN VC. The breakthrough solution, developed by the UK start-up OXCCU, aligns with the ORLEN Group’s strategy to increase its contribution to aviation decarbonization from 2030 onwards, in line with the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.
“We are investing in the technologies of ‘tomorrow’ to effectively transform our business. This year we introduced SAF—aviation fuel produced from renewable and waste-based raw materials—into our product portfolio. By 2035, according to our strategy, we aim to become one of Europe’s leading producers. The new ORLEN VC investment in OXCCU’s technology, which enables the conversion of green hydrogen and captured CO₂ into synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF), supports the achievement of this goal. Its commercialization will strengthen our market competitiveness and support our path toward carbon neutrality,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, President of the Management Board of ORLEN.
The Role of SAF in Decarbonizing Aviation
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is produced from renewable and waste-based sources, including green hydrogen, forestry and agricultural residues, used cooking oil, and captured CO₂. Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94%. Aviation currently accounts for around 3% of global CO₂ emissions, which is why the industry has committed to steadily increasing the share of sustainable fuel in total sales. Under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, by 2030, SAF must account for 6% of aviation fuel, including 2% from e-SAF.
“The challenge facing the aviation industry represents a business opportunity for us. We want to build a strong position in the sustainable aviation fuels market, including e-SAF, by offering stable volumes of this eco-friendly fuel at an attractive price. The technology we invested in has great potential and ensures a competitive edge in the emerging alternative fuels market, so we will support its further development,” said Grzegorz Jóźwiak, Director of Hydrogen and Synthetic Fuels Technology Development at ORLEN.
OXCCU’s Breakthrough Technology
The foundation of OXCCU’s technology, developed by scientists at the University of Oxford, is an innovative catalyst that significantly simplifies the e-SAF production process, substantially reducing the cost of the final product. The technology also allows processing of mixtures of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen, meaning it can also be used to produce low-cost, low-emission aviation fuel from biomass waste such as biogas or wood waste.
“The $28 million raised by OXCCU from a syndicate of investors in its Series B round will accelerate commercialization efforts, expand operations, and support the next phase of scaling the technology,” said Andrew Symes, CEO of OXCCU.
Investors in OXCCU, alongside ORLEN VC, include United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, Aramco Ventures, Eni Next, Trafigura Power Ventures, International Airlines Group (owner of British Airways, among others), Safran Corporate Ventures, and the University of Oxford.
SAF Rollout in Europe
Since the beginning of 2025, SAF has been widely deployed across Europe, becoming a viable alternative to conventional aviation fuels. Airports in Warsaw, Kraków, Katowice, and Prague are already using SAF supplied by ORLEN. Thanks to ORLEN Lietuva’s deliveries, from mid-September this year, SAF is also available in the Baltic markets, with aircraft taking off from Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn able to refuel with sustainable aviation fuel.
With its introduction of SAF, ORLEN is complying with the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which requires a 2% SAF share in total aviation fuel sales in 2025. The regulation applies to EU airports that in the previous year served more than 800,000 passengers or handled over 100,000 tons of cargo.
About OXCCU TECH LTD
OXCCU, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, develops novel catalysts and reactor designs to convert waste carbon into liquid hydrocarbons with high efficiency and selectivity, suitable for use as fuels and chemicals. The company is headquartered in the UK, operating at Begbroke Science Park in Oxford and London Oxford Airport.
Source: CEO.com.pl
