Aramco, TotalEnergies, SIRC Unite for Aviation’s Green Revolution
A groundbreaking partnership between Aramco, TotalEnergies, and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) was announced to assess the development of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant in Saudi Arabia. The Joint Development and Cost Sharing Agreement (JDCSA) was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the Kingdom, witnessed by prominent leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and France’s Minister of Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher.
The proposed SAF plant will be in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and aims to transform local waste and residues, such as used cooking oils and animal fats, into low-carbon aviation fuel. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, fostering sustainability and the circular economy while addressing the aviation sector’s growing carbon footprint.
Amin H. Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: “As air travel demand rises, reducing aviation emissions becomes essential. Through partnerships like this, Aramco seeks to develop innovative, lower-carbon transport solutions. This SAF plant, supported by Aramco, TotalEnergies, and SIRC, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism and aviation sectors while benefiting both domestic and international airlines.”
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized their commitment to decarbonization: “SAF is central to our energy transition strategy. Partnering with Aramco and SIRC allows us to advance sustainable air transport and meet the industry’s growing demand for low-carbon solutions.”
Eng. Ziad Al-Sheha, CEO of SIRC, reiterated the alignment with Vision 2030: “This partnership marks a significant step in converting waste into renewable resources, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s circular economy and sustainability objectives.”
The collaboration underscores the global commitment to sustainable aviation and positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in renewable energy and innovation in the aviation sector.