Aramco, TotalEnergies, and SIRC Collaborate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Plant in Saudi Arabia

Strategic Partnership Aims to Address Aviation Emissions and Boost Circular Economy
Aramco, TotalEnergies, and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) have entered into a Joint Development and Cost Sharing Agreement (JDCSA) to explore the potential development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant in Saudi Arabia. This significant collaboration is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote the circular economy, particularly as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize. The SAF plant, if developed, will focus on converting local waste materials into sustainable aviation fuel, marking a key step in advancing the region’s energy transition and contributing to global emission reduction goals.

Circular Economy and Innovation in SAF Production
The SAF plant will be located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, a region strategically positioned for industrial development. The primary focus of the project will be on harnessing innovative technologies to recycle organic waste, such as used cooking oils and animal fats, into sustainable aviation fuels. This effort aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize the importance of sustainability and the development of a robust circular economy. By processing waste into high-value fuel, the project could help address growing demand for cleaner energy sources in aviation while reducing the Kingdom’s reliance on conventional fuel imports.

Aviation Decarbonization and Global Emission Reduction
Amin H. Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, highlighted the growing demand for air travel and the urgent need for lower-carbon alternatives in aviation. Aramco, TotalEnergies, and SIRC are combining their strengths to address aviation emissions, an area where sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) offer a promising solution. As air travel continues to recover and expand globally, SAF is considered a critical component in achieving net-zero emissions for the aviation sector. The collaboration between Aramco and TotalEnergies, long-standing partners in the energy transition, will leverage each company’s expertise to develop SAF technologies, contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030
SIRC’s CEO, Eng. Ziad Al-Sheha, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s sustainability objectives under Vision 2030, particularly in developing the Kingdom’s circular economy. By focusing on waste conversion into renewable resources, the partnership aims to enrich Saudi Arabia’s green transition, with SAF as a key enabler. This initiative also positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in the sustainable fuel sector, contributing to the decarbonization of the aviation industry both domestically and internationally.