Cairo: A major bioenergy and aviation fuel project is set to take shape in Egypt after French energy solutions company Axens and Qatar-based sustainable aviation fuel platform Green Sky Capital partnered to establish what is expected to be the first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility in Egypt and across Africa.
The companies plan to develop the project on a fast-track basis, with commercial operations targeted by the end of 2027, Renewables Now reported.
The proposed plant will produce 200,000 tonnes of SAF annually using lipid-based feedstocks, including used cooking oil. The facility will deploy Axens’ Vegan HEFA technology to convert waste-based feedstocks into aviation fuel.
Under the agreement, Axens will provide the processing technology along with catalyst and adsorbent solutions, operational support and training services for the facility.
The project is expected to support efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation sector while contributing to Egypt’s broader energy transition goals.
In addition to the plant development agreement, Axens and Green Sky Capital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving and optimising SAF production processes.
The partners said the collaboration is expected to increase the volume of sustainable aviation fuel produced from each tonne of feedstock processed, potentially providing Green Sky Capital with a competitive advantage in the growing SAF market.
The announcement comes amid increasing global investment in bioenergy-based aviation fuels as airlines and governments seek solutions to reduce emissions from air transport.
Earlier this year, Axens also entered into a partnership with aircraft manufacturer Airbus to evaluate opportunities for accelerating the adoption and wider deployment of sustainable aviation fuel.
The Egypt project marks a significant step for the development of bioenergy and SAF production in Africa, positioning the country as a potential regional hub for low-carbon aviation fuels.
