Eni and Q8 Italy have confirmed a major strategic investment in the development of a new biorefinery at the Versalis industrial site in Priolo, Sicily, marking a key step in converting the existing facility into a leading centre for advanced biofuel production.
The joint project, formally approved by the boards of directors of both Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation following a binding offer from Q8, strengthens a partnership that began more than 30 years ago with the Milazzo refinery.
Leveraging Eni’s technical expertise in its proprietary Ecofining™ technology, the biorefinery will convert waste, residues and vegetable oils into sustainable fuels.
Once operational, the plant will have a processing capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year, producing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF-biojet) to serve the road, marine and aviation sectors.
Designed with extensive operational flexibility, the facility is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared with conventional fossil fuels, in line with European Union climate objectives.
Engineering work for the project is complete, and preparatory construction activities are underway, including demolition and procurement planning. Final authorisations and contractual documentation are expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
The initiative supports Eni’s broader ambition to expand its biorefining capacity to 5 million tonnes per year by 2030, further aligning with global energy transition goals and growing demand for sustainable fuels.
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