Ostend, October 03, 2022
NHV is the first helicopter operator to carry out a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flight in the offshore wind industry, in collaboration with partner TotalEnergies. This project marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the two companies to support their commitment to the energy transition.
The first helicopter flight using sustainable aviation fuel took place at NHV’s headquarters at Ostend. This flight was for an event organised by Elia. The NHV helicopter left the Ostend base at 12.25 o’clock in the morning and flew a delegation of Elia and Belgian Politicians to Elia’s Modular Offshore Grid (MOG 1), a platform in the North Sea that bundles cables together from offshore wind farms and connects them to the mainland.
On this flight, the use of sustainable aviation fuel produced by TotalEnergies reduced C02 emissions by 27%. The sustainable aviation fuel supplied by TotalEnergies is produced in Europe and made from waste and residues from the circular economy, such as used cooking oils. The renewable fraction reduces up to 90% of CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle, compared to its fossil fuel equivalent. Once produced, this renewable fraction is blended with up to 70% of traditional fuel (JET A-1) to create sustainable aviation fuel, which has similar technical properties to JET A-1 and does not require any modifications to the aircraft, logistics, infrastructure, or refueling operations.
Bram De Backer, Vice President of Offshore Wind at NHV Group said "This is a huge milestone for NHV and the industry because it’s the first time sustainable aviation fuel is used to support Offshore Wind. Investing in this kind of fuel is the first step in reducing the overall carbon footprint and making helicopter transportation more environmentally friendly.”
"The development of sustainable aviation fuel is one of the areas of TotalEnergies' strategy to achieve its ambition of carbon neutrality by 2050 together with society," said Joël Navaron, Aviation President at TotalEnergies. "We are delighted with this collaboration with NHV, which allows us to achieve this important refueling in Belgium, and to make this approach part of a long-term collaboration with NHV."
ENDS
About NHV Group:
NHV Group, headquartered in Ostend Belgium, specialises in B-to-B helicopter services and operates with a strong geographic presence in Europe and Western Africa. The group conducts operations from several bases on two continents with a team of 500+ employees. NHV’s main focus is on the energy-producing industry, including the Renewables Sector. Our scope of work also includes Maritime Services, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Harbour Pilot Services. Aside from the helicopter operations, NHV is an approved training organisation (ATO) and an official service centre for our partner, Airbus Helicopters. NHV also provides Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) solutions. In addition to supporting its fleet, NHV provides extensive third-party maintenance services to a variety of civil and military clients. The group has a multipurpose high-value fleet of over 40 helicopters. NHV’s majority shareholder is Ardian, the world-leading private investment house with assets of US$120bn managed or advised across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East.
NHV Group has no Russian shareholders and is not involved with any Russian affiliated organisations in the delivery of helicopter services or aircraft spare parts.
For more information please contact:
Jessica Gordon
communication@nhv.be
+44 (0)771 259 1774
TotalEnergies and Aviation:
TotalEnergies is one of the leading aviation fuel suppliers in France, the rest of Europe and Africa, providing refueling services to nearly 280 airlines in more than 300 airports worldwide. The Company proposes a full range of products (SAF, Jet A-1, Avgas) and services tailored to each type of customer: business or leisure flights, aviation industry, airports, airlines, etc. TotalEnergies is involved in numerous initiatives to produce and market sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with aviation industry partners. A dedicated Renewable Fuels Business Unit was created in 2021, and new milestones were reached in May 2021 with the successful first flight of a long-haul aircraft powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel produced by TotalEnergies in France and in September 2021 with a Nice-Paris flight loaded with 30% SAF. By developing and supporting the emergence of a sustainable aviation fuel value chain, TotalEnergies confirms the leadership role played by France and the rest of Europe in driving innovation in the energy and environmental transition.
About TotalEnergies:
TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.