Allied Biofuels FE LLC and Praj Industries Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Central Asia’s largest ethanol production facility in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region. The refinery, based on Praj’s technology, will produce 890 tonnes per day (293,700 tonnes per year) of 95 percent ethanol while capturing biogenic CO₂ from the first-generation (1G) process.
Ethanol from the 1G process will feed into Allied Biofuels’ production of 160,400 tonnes per year of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and 5,040 tonnes per year of Green Diesel. In addition, biogenic CO₂ from the 1G process will be combined with synthesis gas from a gasification process and green hydrogen generated by 2,000 MW of PEM electrolysers to produce 257,000 tonnes annually of Electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF). According to a press release, the project marks the first integrated refinery in Central Asia capable of producing SAF, e-SAF, and Green Diesel.
Under the agreement, Praj will provide its proven first-generation ethanol technology, proprietary equipment, and design, engineering, procurement, and commissioning support. Sorghum will serve as the primary feedstock for ethanol production, which will then be converted into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel through advanced processes.
The project is aligned with Uzbekistan’s climate strategy and supports the country’s Net Zero Emissions Office in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. By enabling large-scale ethanol-to-SAF conversion, the refinery is expected to reduce reliance on fossil-based aviation fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance Uzbekistan’s position as a regional leader in renewable energy.
Alfred Benedict, Chairman and Managing Director of Allied Biofuels, said, “Signing this MoU is a landmark moment for Uzbekistan and Central Asia’s clean-energy future. With ethanol as the first step in our value chain, Allied Biofuels is committed to delivering an integrated refinery that will produce SAF, e-SAF, and Green Diesel at world scale. This project will strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and create long-term economic opportunities for the region. Praj’s technology and expertise provide the right foundation to realise this vision in Khorezm.”
Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman of Praj Industries, added, “We are delighted to partner with Allied Biofuels on this pioneering initiative in Uzbekistan. With our proven expertise and advanced technologies, Praj will help develop the ethanol facility. This development will support Uzbekistan’s sustainability goals while positioning Central Asia as an emerging hub in the global energy transition.”
The investment is expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs, boost local industry, and position Uzbekistan as a key hub for advanced biofuels, serving both domestic and international markets.
