4 Feb 2026
Eni and Q8 Italy have approved a major strategic investment to develop a new biorefinery at the Versalis industrial complex in Priolo, marking a decisive shift toward a long-term, lower-carbon industrial operation. The decision follows Q8 ’s binding offer and formal approvals from the boards of Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, further strengthening a partnership that began with the Milazzo refinery in 1996.
Eni and Q8 Italy have approved a major strategic investment to develop a new biorefinery at the Versalis industrial complex in Priolo, marking a decisive shift toward a long-term, lower-carbon industrial operation. The decision follows Q8’s binding offer and formal approvals from the boards of Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, further strengthening a partnership that began with the Milazzo refinery in 1996.
The project will combine the partners’ industrial capabilities with Eni’s proprietary Ecofining technology, which converts waste materials, residues, and vegetable oils into advanced biofuels suitable for use in pure form. Once operational, the Priolo biorefinery is expected to have a capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year, producing hydrotreated vegetable oil and sustainable aviation fuel with flexible output to meet demand across road, marine, and aviation sectors.
Eni estimates that the new biofuel output will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared with conventional fossil fuels, supporting European Union climate objectives. Engineering activities have been completed, procurement and construction tenders are underway, demolition work for new infrastructure is set to begin, and permitting processes are in progress, with final contracts, approvals, and construction targeted for completion by the end of 2028.
First announced in October 2024 and reaffirmed through a March 2025 agreement at Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the Priolo conversion will transform a loss-making basic chemicals site into a more competitive and sustainable operation, while preserving employment and industrial expertise. The project also supports Eni and its biofuel business Enilive in achieving a biorefining capacity of 5 million tonnes per year by 2030.
Kuwait Petroleum International Chief Executive Shafi Taleb Al Ajmi said the investment aligns with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s 2050 energy transition strategy and represents a second major joint venture with Eni in Sicily. He added that Q8 aims to diversify its portfolio and position itself as a leading provider of sustainable mobility solutions for European customers, reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the long-term development of Italy’s energy market.
The detailed article is published by https://www.eni.com/en-IT/home.html can be accessed from https://www.eni.com/en-IT/media/press-release/2026/02/pr-eni-q8-partner-construction-priolo-biorefinery.html
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