Eni, Q8 come together to build Italian biorefinery

Green energy majors Eni and Q8 Italy will make major strategic investment in the ongoing project for the construction of a new biorefinery in Priolo, Sicily, Italy.

The official statement held that the biorefinery plan for the Versalis site in Priolo received formal approval from Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Board of Directors, which follows the official binding offer submitted by Q8.

The project will draw on the consolidated industrial experience of both Eni and Q8 Italy. The biorefinery will benefit from Eni specific technical and operational expertise in applying the Ecofining technology, which enables the conversion of waste, residues and vegetable oils into biofuels that can also be used in 100% pure form.

The Priolo biorefinery will have a capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year and will offer extensive operational flexibility for the production of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF-Biojet), in order to meet market dynamics and demand.

The new production of biofuels for road, marine and aviation transport will contribute, in line with EU objectives, to reduce at least 65% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the reference fossil mix.

The transformation plan for the Priolo industrial site, announced by Eni in October 2024 and confirmed by the agreement signed in March 2025 to foresee a biorefining capacity of 5 million tonnes per year by 2030.

Giuseppe Ricci, Eni Chief Operating Officern, said, “The transformation plan, which we announced in October 2024 and which was ratified by the agreement signed in March 2025 at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, will allow us to convert the industrial site in a more environmentally sustainable way, while protecting employment and skills.”

Kuwait Petroleum International CEO, Shafi Taleb Al Ajmi, stated, “The investment marks our second megaproject with Eni in Sicily. It demonstrates the shared commitment of Q8 and Eni to excellence, innovation, and strategic partnership, as well as our ongoing presence and confidence in the Italian energy sector.”