WFW joins landmark eSAF initiative Project SkyPower

Watson Farley & Williams announced in December that it has joined Project SkyPower, a CEO-led initiative that aims to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel derived from renewable energy (eSAF) across Europe and contribute towards achieving the aviation industry’s goal of global net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.

With a specific focus on eSAF produced by electrolysis from green electricity and hydrogen, Project SkyPower is led by 13 aviation-sector CEOs and brings together over 40 leading companies from across the value chain, including airlines, airports, technology providers and financial institutions.

Its goal is to help pave the way for a fully operational eSAF industry, initially by helping secure final-investment decisions (FID) for the first large-scale production facilities by the end of 2025 to enable commercial scale-up by 2030.

“eSAFs represent a pioneering technology that will not only transform the aviation industry but also make a vital contribution to the global energy transition,” said Dirk Janssen, WFW’s lead contact for Project SkyPower.

“As the hub for two-thirds of global eSAF projects, Europe is well-placed to be a leader in this market,” Janssen continued. “WFW’s extensive experience advising on innovative energy and aviation projects means we have the expertise to support Project SkyPower in such an ambitious undertaking.”

Jim Bell, WFW’s global aviation sector co-head, added, “Transforming the aviation industry towards a sustainable future is one of the most important challenges of our time. Through Project SkyPower, we can leverage our deep sector expertise to address the structural and regulatory hurdles essential for scaling eSAF production. By joining the project, WFW reaffirms its commitment to leading forward-thinking projects that shape the future of aviation.”

WFW is an international law firm advising on complex transactions and disputes through local knowledge and an integrated international network.

The firm has a strong sector focus, combining its technical expertise with deep industry knowledge across energy, infrastructure and transport.

Founded in 1982, WFW has 200-plus partners, more than 700 lawyers and 19 offices.