Eni, Q8 advance plans for new biofuels complex in Priolo
Joint investment moves forward as boards approve major transformation of historic industrial site.
Eni and Q8 Italy have approved a major strategic investment to build a new biorefinery in Priolo, Sicily, marking a significant step in the transformation of the Versalis industrial site. The project received formal approval from the boards of both Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, following Q8’s binding offer submitted earlier in the process.
The biorefinery represents the latest milestone in the long‑standing partnership between Eni and Q8, which began in 1996 with the Milazzo refinery. The companies will combine their industrial capabilities, with Eni contributing technical and operational expertise including the use of its Ecofining technology, a process that converts waste, residues and vegetable oils into biofuels suitable for 100% pure use.
The Priolo facility will have a production capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year, with operational flexibility to produce Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF‑Biojet).
Eni COO Giuseppe Ricci said: “The transformation plan of the Priolo industrial site proves to be solid and sustainable and demonstrates the validity of the long‑term vision that involves the conversion of loss‑making basic chemical business into new competitive and more sustainable activities.”
Kuwait Petroleum International CEO Shafi Taleb Al Ajmi added that the project reflects KPC’s long‑term energy transition strategy and reinforces Q8’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions in Europe.
The plan supports Eni and Enilive’s objective of reaching 5 million tonnes per year of biorefining capacity by 2030.
