Egypt's $570mln SAF project in Alexandria enters advanced development stage

Egypt's $570 million sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project in Alexandria has entered an advanced development stage, with permitting, contracts, and financing processes underway. The project, run by the Egyptian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company (ESAF), a subsidiary of the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), aims to produce 120,000 tonnes per annum of SAF and is set to start operations by 2029.

ESAF recently signed a license agreement with Honeywell UOP to utilize advanced hydrotreating technology, which will convert used cooking oil into SAF while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 400,000 tonnes annually. ECHEM's latest report indicates that the selection of a process licensor is ongoing.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted that the estimated SAF output for 2025 has been revised downward due to insufficient policy support, with SAF prices significantly higher than fossil-based jet fuel.