Avalon BioEnergy announces SAF project in Uruguay

Avalon BioEnergy Uruguay has launched its first fully integrated agriculture-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) biorefinery in Latin America, located in Uruguay.
The proposed SAF biorefinery will significantly contribute to reducing emissions from air travel - offering up to an 80% reduction compared to traditional fossil fuel-based jet fuels.
The initiative integrates a sustainable agricultural strategy to cultivate proprietary non-edible oil seed crops alongside green hydrogen production through solar-powered electrolysis, establishing a low-carbon SAF supply chain.
This innovative model aligns with global efforts to decarbonise the aviation sector without putting pressure on food commodities for energy use.
“This endorsement from the Uruguayan government is a crucial milestone for the establishment of Uruguay’s first SAF facility,” said Irshad Ahmed, president & CEO of Auris-Avalon Group of Companies.
“We are honoured by the support and excited to position Uruguay as a leader in SAF production.
“Our aim is to leverage dedicated non-edible oil seed crops to build a sustainable feedstock supply chain, contributing to global net-zero objectives and fostering regional economic growth.”
The SAF project, designated as a high-impact clean energy initiative of national interest, has a projected cost of $380 million (€341 million) and includes plans for a 100,000 MT per year SAF production facility utilising the Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) process.