Enilive, a subsidiary of the Eni group, has officially inaugurated its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant in Gela, Sicily. This key facility is integrated into the Gela biorefinery and marks a strategic turning point in the company’s alignment with the European ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, which came into effect at the start of 2025.
The plant’s annual production capacity reaches 400,000 tons, accounting for nearly a third of the estimated European demand for sustainable aviation fuel this year. This achievement is aligned with the European Union regulation (EU) 2023/2405, which mandates aviation fuel suppliers to ensure an increasing share of SAF in jet fuel delivered to airline operators. This proportion begins at 2% in 2025 and will gradually rise to 70% by 2050.
A facility optimized for future needs
The Gela biorefinery is designed to process up to 736,000 tons of biomass per year, primarily using waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oils, animal fats, and residues from the vegetable oil industry. Recent infrastructure upgrades, including the addition of an isomerization unit and a new degumming line, allow for greater diversification of raw materials. These technological improvements support the production of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuels, of which SAF is a key component.
Additionally, Enilive has enhanced the site’s logistics by modernizing storage and transport infrastructure, making the plant ready to meet future demand surges. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing the company’s biorefining capacity to over 5 million tons per year by 2030.
Strategic partnerships with airlines
Since September 2022, Enilive has signed several SAF supply agreements with airlines, leveraging efficient integration between its Gela biorefinery and other Eni facilities. These partnerships, initially based on limited production volumes, ensure a smooth transition to an industrial scale.
Enilive also plans to launch similar projects, including a SAF plant in Porto Marghera (Venice) set to become operational in 2026, as well as new biorefineries in Malaysia and South Korea. These developments aim to double global SAF production by 2030.
A long-term vision for sustainable fuel markets
Enilive’s business model builds on more than a decade of investments in biorefining technologies. Its ability to diversify raw materials and produce increasing volumes of SAF positions the company as a leader in this rapidly growing segment. According to Stefano Ballista, CEO of Enilive, this ambition reflects a clear strategy: meeting the growing demand for sustainable fuel solutions while solidifying its position in the global market.
