Rome, 3 February 2026 – Eni and Q8 Italy announce a major strategic investment in the ongoing project for the construction of a new biorefinery in Priolo, Sicily. The transformation plan for the Versalis site in Priolo received formal approval from Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Board of Directors, which follows the official binding offer submitted by Q8.
The joint project between Eni and Q8 Italy for the construction and subsequent industrial operation of the plant further strengthens the thirty year partnership between the two companies, which began with the Milazzo refinery in 1996.
The project will draw on the consolidated industrial experience of both partners and will benefit from Eni’s specific technical and operational expertise in applying the Ecofining™ technology, which enables the conversion of waste, residues and vegetable oils into biofuels that can also be used in 100% pure form.
The Priolo biorefinery will have a capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year and will offer extensive operational flexibility for the production of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF-Biojet), in order to meet market dynamics and demand. The new production of biofuels for road, marine and aviation transport will contribute, in line with EU objectives, to reduce at least 65% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the reference fossil mix.
The project has completed the engineering phase. Preparatory activities for awarding procurement and construction contracts have begun; demolition works required for the development of the new infrastructure are about to start; and the authorization process has been launched.
Completion of the required authorizations and of positive finalization of the detailed contractual documentation and of the works is expected by the end of 2028.
The transformation plan for the Priolo industrial site, announced by Eni in October 2024 and confirmed by the agreement signed in March 2025 at the Ministry of Enterprises and “Made in Italy”, allows the current industrial site to be converted into a more sustainable, long term activity, while supporting the objectives of both Eni and Enilive, which foresee a biorefining capacity of 5 million tonnes per year by 2030.
«The transformation plan of the Priolo industrial site – comments Giuseppe Ricci, Eni Chief Operating Officer Industrial Transformation – proves to be solid and sustainable and demonstrates the validity of the long-term vision that involves the conversion of loss-making basic chemical business into new competitive and more sustainable activities, which can contribute to the decarbonization of transport. The transformation plan, which we announced in October 2024 and which was ratified by the agreement signed in March 2025 at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, will allow us to convert the industrial site in a more environmentally sustainable way, while protecting employment and skills».
Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) Chief Executive Officer, Shafi Taleb Al Ajmi, stated: «This project reflects Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s commitment to advancing toward our 2050 Energy Transition Strategy. The investment marks our second megaproject with Eni in Sicily. It demonstrates the shared commitment of Q8 and Eni to excellence, innovation, and strategic partnership, as well as our ongoing presence and confidence in the Italian energy sector. Furthermore, Q8 is dedicated to achieving our shareholders’ strategic objectives and diversifying our portfolio in accordance with KPC’s long-term vision. We are committed to establishing ourselves as a leading provider of sustainable mobility solutions for customers in the European market for years to come».
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