Partnership drives sustainable aviation fuel in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is considering the potential for a sustainable aviation fuels production unit in the kingdom.

The move comes in a collaboration between state-owned oil giant Aramco, French renewable energy specialist TotalEnergies and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC).

Official visit

A joint development and cost-sharing agreement (JDCSA) to assess the scheme was announced when the French president Emmanuel Macron visited Saudi Arabia in early December.

The idea is to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel by converting locally generated waste such as used cooking oil and animal fats.

Aramco ceo Amin Nasser said it was becoming imperative to address aviation emissions through lower-carbon alternatives such as sustainable aviation fuels.

Innovative

‘This is where major global energy companies like Aramco and TotalEnergies can play a part, by collaborating to help meet this need. Addressing transport emissions requires a wide range of approaches and Aramco is pursuing a number of potential innovative solutions, as we seek opportunities to make an impact.’

Patrick Pouyanné, ceo of TotalEnergies, added: ‘By leveraging our collective expertise, we can take a further step towards the decarbonisation of air transport together. Sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of our company’s transition strategy, as we strive to meet the aviation industry’s demand to reduce its carbon footprint.’