Uzbekistan is set to construct the region’s first plant dedicated to producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a move aimed at boosting green energy and cutting reliance on fossil fuels, reports Asia Plus.
The facility will be built in the Tuprakkala district of Khorezm region and is being developed by international firm Allied Biofuels, with an estimated investment of $5.9 billion, according to Fergana news agency.
The project was formalized at the International Investment Forum in Khiva, where Allied Biofuels CEO Alfred Benedict and Khorezm Regional Governor Jurabek Rahimov signed an agreement to launch the venture. Local authorities have provided land for the plant and guaranteed access to water supply systems.
Once operational, the plant will be Central Asia’s first fully integrated biorefinery. It is expected to produce 382,000 tons of SAF, 152,000 tons of electro-synthetic fuel (e-SAF), and 11,000 tons of renewable diesel annually. The facility will use green hydrogen generated through 2 GW electrolysis to power production.
“The agreement marks an important milestone for our company and our work in renewable energy,” Benedict said. Governor Rahimov added that the plant will strengthen Khorezm’s role in green energy, create hundreds of local jobs, and support the regional economy.
Allied Biofuels, registered in Uzbekistan in July, is led by Benedict, who also heads Australian-based Allied Green Ammonia. Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uzbek government to invest roughly $5.5 billion in renewable energy projects nationwide.
Regional officials have already briefed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the plan, highlighting an initial $820 million investment and proposals to install 4 GW of solar panels over 5,500 hectares to supply power for the plant.
