TotalEnergies eyes sustainable aviation fuel partnership in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, December 3, 2024 – As TotalEnergies celebrates 50 years of activity in Saudi Arabia, the company said on Tuesday it is eyeing a partnership to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in-country.

The French energy giant has signed an agreement with Saudi Aramco and Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) to assess the development of an SAF production unit in the country.

The move came on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to Riyadh, where he is meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other top officials.

It also coincides with TotalEnergies celebrating 50 years of activity in the country.

“Saudi Arabia is emblematic of our multi-energy strategy aimed at supporting the energy transition of oil and gas producing countries,” chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said.

“Our activities to produce low-carbon and renewable energies contribute to the country’s Green Initiative and Vision 2030’s objectives.”

The company made history in 2023 when it produced the Middle East’s first ISCC+-certified SAF by coprocessing used cooking oil at the SATORP refinery.

Tuesday’s agreement with Aramco and SIRC envisions the production of SAF by converting local residues from the circular economy, such as used cooking oil and animal fats.

In comments on the agreement, Pouyanné said SAF is a core component of his company’s energy transition strategy, while Aramco president and CEO Amin H. Nasser said the partnership would leverage the companies’ combined strengths.

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