Eni And Q8 Partner For Major New Biorefinery In Sicily

The joint venture between Eni and Q8 Italy to build a new biorefinery in Priolo, Sicily, stands out from traditional production sites by utilizing Eni’s proprietary Ecofining™ technology. This advanced process allows for the conversion of diverse raw materials—including waste, residues, and non-edible vegetable oils—into high-quality biofuels. Unlike many competing facilities that are restricted to specific feedstocks, the Priolo plant offers extensive operational flexibility. It can dynamically shift production between Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for road and marine transport and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF-Biojet) to respond to fluctuating market demands and evolving European regulations.

Strategic Asset Reconversion and Environmental Impact
The project differentiates itself by transforming a loss-making basic chemicals site, formerly managed by Versalis, into a competitive, low-carbon industrial hub. This strategic pivot ensures the long-term sustainability of the Priolo site while safeguarding local employment and industrial expertise. By 2028, the facility is expected to reach an annual capacity of 500,000 tonnes. The resulting biofuels are designed to be used in pure form and provide a greenhouse gas emission reduction of at least 65% compared to the fossil fuel reference mix, aligning directly with the European Union’s decarbonization targets.

Growth Towards Global Biofuel Leadership
The investment strengthens a thirty-year partnership between Eni and Q8 and represents a critical step in Eni’s broader "satellite model" strategy. This approach aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility by reaching a total biorefining capacity of over 5 million tonnes per year by 2030. Following successful conversions in Venice and Gela, the Priolo project solidifies the partners' position as leaders in the Mediterranean energy transition, providing a scalable and technologically superior alternative to traditional fossil fuel refining.

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