Saudi Aramco, TotalEnergies, and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) are exploring a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Saudi Arabia. The project, based in the Eastern Province, was announced on Tuesday.
The companies have signed a Joint Development and Cost Sharing Agreement, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s sustainability efforts.
Aiming to Address Aviation Emissions
Aramco’s president and CEO, Amin Nasser, highlighted the need for lower-carbon solutions as air travel demand rises. “Global energy companies like Aramco and TotalEnergies must collaborate to meet this challenge,” he said.
Nasser emphasized that tackling transport emissions requires innovative solutions. He noted the company’s efforts to explore opportunities for reducing emissions globally.
“Our partnership with TotalEnergies underscores our commitment to leverage combined strengths. This SAF plant could support Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism and aviation sectors,” Nasser added.
Advancing Vision 2030 Goals
The proposed plant will recycle local waste, including used cooking oils and animal fats, to produce SAF. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability objectives.
The announcement coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit, reflecting deepening Saudi-French collaboration on clean energy.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “This project aligns with our strategy to decarbonize air transport. Together, we can meet the aviation industry’s demand for reduced carbon emissions,” he said.
Further details will be shared after completing feasibility studies.
Boosting Saudi’s Circular Economy
SIRC CEO Ziad Al-Sheha highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the Saudi Green Initiative. “This partnership will enhance our efforts to convert waste into renewable resources,” he said.
Al-Sheha believes the SAF plant will contribute significantly to developing Saudi Arabia’s circular economy, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainability.
