China's Sinopec Engineering to design $6.1 bln SAF plant in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT. June 25 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan's Allied Biofuels has engaged Sinopec Engineering Group (China) to design a complex for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) in the country, the Uzbek company said.

"Allied Biofuels has signed a contract with Sinopec Engineering Group for the performance of front-end engineering design (FEED) and detailed design with a subsequent transition to the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) phase for the complex producing SAF and e-SAF in Uzbekistan. The document was signed during the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum," the company said.

Under the contract, Sinopec Engineering Group will prepare pre-project and project documentation, ensure system integration and develop estimate documentation for the oil refining complex, renewable energy facilities and associated infrastructure.

"The agreement was signed amid the active development of the global market for environmentally friendly aviation fuel and the acceleration of the implementation of industrial projects and technological developments in the major aviation and energy markets," the company said.

It is noted that Allied Biofuels is developing the first large-scale complex in Central Asia for producing biofuels for the aviation industry, with the total investment in the project estimated at $6.1 billion.

The project involves the industrial production of SAF and e-SAF. It combines biomass processing, advanced purification technologies, integration of renewable energy sources and the production of liquid fuel based on electricity within a single integrated industrial platform.

The cooperation will accelerate the implementation of the project and meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly aviation fuel in Central Asia and on the global market, Sinopec Engineering Group Regional Business Development Manager Gong Yu said.

Allied Biofuels was registered in Uzbekistan in July 2025. It is headed by Alfred Benedict, who also heads Australia's Allied Green Ammonia.

Sinopec Engineering Group Co., Ltd. is a Chinese engineering company headquartered in Beijing. Its activities cover technological research, engineering consulting and design, equipment manufacturing, construction and installation, pre-commissioning and start-up work, and other elements.