Aramco, TotalEnergies, and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) have announced the signing of a Joint Development and Cost Sharing Agreement (JDCSA) to evaluate the potential establishment of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Saudi Arabia. The announcement coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Kingdom, underscoring the global significance of this collaboration.

The proposed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant would be located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province and aims to utilize advanced technologies to recycle and process local waste materials, such as used cooking oils and animal fats, into renewable aviation fuels. The initiative leverages the expertise of Aramco, a leading integrated energy and chemicals company; TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company; and SIRC, a key player in converting organic waste into sustainable products in Saudi Arabia.

Amin H. Nasser, Aramco’s President & CEO, highlighted the importance of addressing aviation emissions amidst growing air travel demand. “This collaboration showcases how global energy leaders can unite to drive lower-carbon alternatives. By exploring the development of a SAF plant in the Kingdom with TotalEnergies and SIRC, we aim to contribute to emissions reduction efforts globally and support Saudi Arabia's expanding aviation and tourism industries,” Nasser stated.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainability. “This initiative represents a key step toward decarbonizing air transport. SAF plays a central role in our energy transition strategy as we strive to meet the aviation sector’s goals of reducing its carbon footprint,” Pouyanné said.

Eng. Ziad Al-Sheha, CEO of SIRC, highlighted the alignment of the project with Saudi Vision 2030’s sustainability objectives. “Our mission to enhance waste conversion into renewable resources is significantly advanced through this partnership. The feasibility study for a SAF plant reflects our commitment to fostering the Kingdom’s circular economy and supporting sustainable development,” Al-Sheha noted.

The assessment will focus on leveraging cutting-edge engineering and technology solutions to produce SAF while addressing local waste management challenges. If realized, the project could benefit both domestic and international airlines, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in sustainable aviation and its commitment to a greener future.

Aramco, a global leader in integrated energy and chemicals, generates value across the entire hydrocarbon chain, benefiting communities worldwide. The company is dedicated to playing a key role in the energy transition, providing essential energy while advancing sustainability efforts to meet the evolving needs of society and the global economy.