Aramco, TotalEnergies and SIRC join forces for sustainable aviation fuel development

Aramco, TotalEnergies, and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) have taken a significant step toward advancing sustainable aviation fuel production in the Middle East. During French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the three companies announced a joint plan to assess the feasibility of a sustainable aviation fuel plant in the Kingdom. This project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to foster renewable energy innovation and drive the country’s green energy transition.

Addressing aviation emissions reduction

The proposed plant focuses on the use of circular economy resources, including used cooking oil and animal fats, to produce lower-carbon alternatives to traditional jet fuel. This initiative reflects a commitment to aviation emissions reduction, a pressing concern given the expected rise in global air travel. Amin H. Nasser, Aramco’s President and CEO, remarked that tackling aviation emissions reduction requires innovative solutions like sustainable aviation fuel, which can mitigate the environmental impact of growing air traffic.

Nasser further highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, stating that this venture extends Aramco’s partnership with TotalEnergies into critical areas of renewable energy innovation. As Saudi Arabia’s aviation and tourism sectors expand, the facility could become a pivotal resource for both domestic and international airlines.

A green energy transition strategy

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the importance of sustainable aviation fuel in achieving the company’s goals for a green energy transition. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia initiative aligns perfectly with TotalEnergies’ multi-energy strategy, which is focused on decarbonizing sectors reliant on fossil fuels. By working with Aramco and SIRC, TotalEnergies aims to support the Saudi Arabia initiative in enhancing its environmental sustainability while fostering aviation emissions reduction on a global scale.

Recycling and circular economy focus

Ziad Al-Sheha, CEO of SIRC, outlined the company’s dedication to advancing circular economy resources in Saudi Arabia. He explained that this collaboration highlights SIRC’s mission to increase waste conversion rates and support the Kingdom’s sustainability targets. By transforming waste into sustainable aviation fuel, the project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goal of becoming a leader in renewable energy innovation.

This joint effort showcases how circular economy resources can be used to create practical, high-impact solutions for industries traditionally dependent on fossil fuels. By integrating Aramco’s and TotalEnergies’ expertise with SIRC’s capabilities, the partnership is poised to contribute meaningfully to the global effort for aviation emissions reduction.

Potential global impact

Beyond Saudi Arabia, the facility could set a precedent for similar projects worldwide. Experts note that the use of sustainable aviation fuel is crucial for achieving the aviation industry’s carbon-neutral targets. The plant’s focus on circular economy resources highlights the potential for scalable solutions that meet the growing demand for renewable energy innovation.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Green Initiative are key drivers behind this project, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy and advancing its green energy transition. As the country positions itself as a hub for sustainable aviation fuel production, it is expected to attract further investment and foster technological advancements in the renewable energy sector.

Expert perspectives

Industry analysts have commended the partnership’s focus on sustainable aviation fuel, noting that it represents a pragmatic approach to addressing aviation emissions reduction. By prioritizing local resources and innovation, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating how countries can meet both economic and environmental goals.