Regulatory authority warns of environmental impact from planned Rauma aviation fuel plant

The Finnish Permit and Supervision Authority (LVV) has warned that a proposed synthetic aviation fuel plant in Rauma could have significant local effects on nearby water systems.

Norwegian company Norsk e-Fuel AS plans to build the facility at Rauma port, producing up to 100,000 tonnes of e-crude oil annually using renewable electricity, water, and carbon dioxide.

In its assessment of the project’s environmental impact, the LVV noted that the plant would generate substantial excess process heat, which would be discharged into the sea. The authority concluded this could cause notable local environmental effects, particularly near the discharge area.

The project is also expected to increase local traffic volumes, raising safety risks and noise levels, while altering the landscape, especially when viewed from the sea or at close range.

The LVV’s reasoned conclusion must be included in the plant’s permit application.