BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.4. Eni and Q8 Italy
announced a major joint investment in the construction of a new
biorefinery at the Versalis site in Priolo, Sicily, Trend reports via
Eni.
The plant, which has received formal approval from both Eni and
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation boards, will have a production
capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year and will produce Hydrotreated
Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF-Biojet). The
biorefinery is designed to convert waste, residues, and vegetable
oils into biofuels that can be used in 100% pure form.
Eni said the project will support EU climate goals, cutting at
least 65% of greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional
fossil fuels, and will offer operational flexibility for road,
marine, and aviation transport.
Preparatory work, including demolition and procurement, has
started, and the companies expect completion of authorizations,
contracts, and construction by the end of 2028.
The project forms part of Eni’s broader transformation plan for
the Priolo site, aiming for a total biorefining capacity of 5
million tonnes per year by 2030.
Eni is a global integrated energy company operating across the
full energy value chain, from oil and gas exploration and
production to power generation, refining, chemicals, and
renewables, with a business model focused on sustainability and
alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals.
The company emphasizes a “fair and inclusive” energy transition
aimed at balancing competitiveness, energy security, economic
viability, and decarbonization. A core part of Eni’s biofuel
strategy is its proprietary Ecofining technology, which converts
biogenic raw materials such as used cooking oils, waste fats, and
residues into advanced biofuels, including hydrogenated vegetable
oil (HVO), marketed under the HVOlution brand, meeting European
fuel standards and significantly reducing lifecycle emissions.
Eni has prior experience converting conventional refineries into
biorefineries in Italy, including the Venice-Porto Marghera site in
2014 and Gela in 2019, establishing its leadership in advanced
biofuel production. The Priolo site transformation is part of Eni’s
broader shift toward sustainable chemistry and circular economy
solutions, including plans for a chemical recycling unit using the
Hoop® pyrolysis technology to turn mixed plastic waste into new raw
materials, supporting decarbonization and industrial sustainability
objectives. This investment in Priolo aligns with Eni’s long-term
strategy to expand biofuel capacity and modernize its industrial
portfolio while contributing to EU climate goals and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
