Haffner Energy Launches SB-HEFA, a Process Aimed at Halving SAF Costs
The biomass-based solutions designer, based in Vitry-le-François, presented on September 22, 2026 a renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production technology based on its proprietary pyrolysis process.
The company is positioning this process, named SB-HEFA, on a business model combining technology licenses and equipment supply.
Direct Conversion of Solid Biomass to Liquid
Haffner Energy has launched SB-HEFA (Solid Biomass to HEFA), a renewable diesel and SAF production process based on its pyrolysis technology, which converts solid biomasses into liquid without going through synthesis gas. The process eliminates the reforming stage intended for oil-to-gas conversion: it consists of extracting pyrolysis oil, stabilizing it through immediate cooling, then treating it by filtration followed by hydrodeoxygenation.
The company aims for a reduction of approximately 50% in complete production costs (LCOE) compared to other pathways, notably HEFA. It indicates that residual solid biomasses intended to feed SB-HEFA are typically available between €10 and €30/MWh, compared to €100 to €120/MWh for used cooking oils in Europe in 2026. "By radically transforming the economic equation of renewable diesel and SAF, SB-HEFA creates the conditions for their large-scale deployment," said Philippe Haffner, Chief Executive Officer of Haffner Energy.
Renewable Diesel as Priority, SAF Targeted from 2030 Onwards
Haffner Energy will concentrate the priority industrial development of SB-HEFA on renewable diesel, a volume market that the company describes as nearly four times larger than that of kerosene (34% of refined petroleum products versus 9%). According to the company, diesel presents lesser technical and regulatory constraints than SAF, enabling faster market access. The company plans to put into service a first complete industrial demonstrator as early as 2027 or 2028.
For SAF, Haffner Energy intends to undertake ASTM qualification of the process, with an objective of commercial deployment in aviation from 2030 onwards, a deadline that coincides with the increase to 6% of the minimum SAF blending obligation in Europe. The business model will rest primarily on license revenues, supplemented by royalties and service and component revenues, in parallel with the CORE100 equipment program. Development will rely on the SAF Zero and Mundi Haffner Technologies structures, the company being in advanced discussions with an investment bank to seek industrial and financial partners for SAF Zero.
