Eni and Q8 together for the construction of the Priolo biorefinery

Eni and Q8 Italia announce an important strategic investment in the project for the construction of a new one biorefinery in Prioloin Sicily. The transformation plan for the Versalis site in Priolo has obtained the approval of the Board of Directors of Eni and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, following the binding offer presented by Q8.

The joint project between Q8 for the construction and subsequent management of the industrial plant further strengthens the partnership trentennale between the two companies, which began with the Milazzo refinery in 1996.

Ecofining technology and production capacity

The project will make use of the consolidated industrial experience of the two partners and will benefit from Eni’s specific technical-operational skills in the application of the Ecofining™ technologywhich allows you to transform waste and residues and vegetable oils in biofuels can also be used in 100% purity. There Priolo biorefinery will have a capacity of 500 thousand tons/year and will have broad operational flexibility for the production of HVO diesel o di SAF-biojetin order to follow the dynamics and demands of the market. The new production of biofuels for road, sea and air transport will contribute, in line with EU objectives, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of at least 65% compared to the reference fossil mix.

Project progress and timing

The project has completed the design, the preparatory activities for the assignment of the supply and construction contracts have been started, the demolition activities preparatory to the construction of the new infrastructures are about to begin and the authorization process has been started. The conclusion of the authorization process, the definition of the detailed agreements and the construction works is expected by the end of 2028.

Reconversion of the industrial site and Eni objectives

The plan of transformation of the Priolo industrial siteannounced by Eni in October 2024 and confirmed by the agreement signed in March 2025 at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, allows the current site to be reconverted into a more sustainable and long-term, while supporting the objectives of Eni and Enilivewhich provide a capacity of biorefining of 5 million tons/year by 2030.

The strategic value for Sicily and Italy

“The investment announced by Eni and Q8 Italia represents a strategic industrial choice of great value for the Priolo hub and for the whole of Sicily. A project founded on robust financial foundations and a clear long-term perspective, promoted by two large operators already successfully rooted on the island”, declares the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso. “The new biorefinery – he continues – will strengthen employment, competitiveness and sustainable reconversion of a historic industrial site, transforming it into a resource for the national energy and production future“.

“The transformation plan of the Priolo industrial site – comments Giuseppe Ricci, Chief Operating Officer Industrial Transformation of Eni – proves to be solid and sustainable and testifies to the validity of the long-term vision which envisages the reconversion of structurally loss-making basic chemical activities into new competitive activities which aim towards greater sustainability, contributing to the transport decarbonisation objectives. The transformation plan, which we announced in October 2024 and which was ratified by the agreement signed in March 2025 at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, will in fact allow us to reconvert the industrial site aiming for greater environmental sustainability and protecting at the same time employment and skills“.

Shafi Taleb Al Ajmi, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI), comments: “This project reflects Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s commitment to continuing our Energy Transition Strategy to 2050. The investment represents our second megaproject with Eni in Sicily and demonstrates Q8 and Eni’s shared commitment to excellence, innovation and partnership strategicaas well as our continued presence and the trust placed in Italian energy sector. Q8 is also strongly determined to achieve the strategic objectives of our shareholders and to diversify our portfolio in line with KPC’s long-term vision. Our commitment is to consolidate ourselves as one of the leading suppliers of sustainable mobility solutions for customers on the European market in the coming years.”