The Norwegian Armed Forces has marked a significant milestone in sustainable aviation by implementing the use of biofuels for business travel at Ålesund Airport Vigra. In collaboration with the airline Norwegian, the Armed Forces will blend 15 percent biofuel on over one million business trips until 2028. This agreement is the largest of its kind in Norway and is likely the first of its nature within NATO.
Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen highlighted the initiative as part of a broader strategy to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent by 2030, emphasizing the importance of reducing emissions from business travel and flights. Norwegian has already supplied one million liters of biofuel with support from Finnish energy group St1 and fuel supplier AFSN, which is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes this year.
Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian, noted the pioneering role of the Norwegian defence sector, expressing hope that this initiative inspires similar commitments in both public and private sectors. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency confirmed that the agreement has garnered international attention for its innovative approach.
As part of the agreement, all biofuel must be refueled in Norway, where currently no aviation biofuel is produced. This requirement aims to promote local demand for biofuels. The biofuel will be sourced from St1’s newly established biorefinery in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The agreement stipulates that 15 percent of the defence sector’s travel must utilize biofuels or low-emission alternatives, affecting approximately 250,000 annual trips. Set to begin in February 2024 and lasting four years, this initiative will increase Norway’s overall biofuel consumption by nearly 20 percent.
Produced according to EU sustainability criteria, the aviation biofuel is expected to have around 80 percent lower CO2 emissions over its lifecycle compared to standard jet fuel. This pioneering move by the Norwegian Armed Forces exemplifies how military operations can align with climate goals while enhancing operational efficiency.