Eni and Q8 Italy to jointly develop Sicilian biorefinery

In Italy, Eni and Q8 Italy announce a major strategic investment in the ongoing project for the construction of a new biorefinery in Priolo, Sicily. The transformation plan for the Versalis site in Priolo received formal approval from Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Board of Directors, which follows the official binding offer submitted by Q8.

The joint project between Eni and Q8 Italy for the construction and subsequent industrial operation of the plant further strengthens the thirty year partnership between the two companies, which began with the Milazzo refinery in 1996.

The project will draw on the consolidated industrial experience of both partners and will benefit from Eni’s specific technical and operational expertise in applying the Ecofining™ technology, which enables the conversion of waste, residues and vegetable oils into biofuels that can also be used in 100% pure form.

The Priolo biorefinery will have a capacity of 500,000 tons per year and will offer extensive operational flexibility for the production of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF-Biojet), in order to meet market dynamics and demand. The new production of biofuels for road, marine and aviation transport will contribute, in line with EU objectives, to reduce at least 65% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the reference fossil mix.