In a collaborative effort to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), key Egyptian ministers gathered at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. The meeting emphasized the petroleum sector’s initiative to lead SAF production.
Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, highlighted recent initiatives and executive actions aimed at SAF production, marking the sector’s initial venture into this field. The first project, which involves using used edible oil as feedstock, has undergone feasibility studies. The Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company is developing a strategic vision and implementation plan, with support from international institutions for study preparation, project groundwork, and financing arrangements.
El Molla announced the formation of an executive committee comprising ministry work teams. This committee will streamline cooperation procedures, expedite the SAF production project, and engage with the civil aviation sector, the primary consumer of fuel.
Mohamed Abbas Helmy, Minister of Civil Aviation, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to integrating SAF in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. He highlighted Egypt’s role in the African group at the third ICAO SAF conference in Dubai, which resolved to adopt a production and distribution system for SAF under ICAO’s guidance.
Helmy affirmed the collective goal of ICAO member countries to achieve a minimum of 5% SAF usage in aircraft by 2030.
Elsayed Elkosayer, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, discussed various SAF sources, including used food oils and jatropha plant oils. He stressed the importance of identifying these resources and their utilization mechanisms.
Elkosayer advocated for contract farming systems as a crucial method for securing raw materials for industries, including SAF production. He emphasized the necessity of a long-term strategy to utilize plants like jatropha and jojoba for oil production, thereby contributing to the aviation fuel industry.
