Eni/Saipem extend collaboration on biofuels, biorefineries

Italy’s Eni S.p.A. and Saipem have expanded the collaboration originally established in November 2023, combining their expertise in the industrial field to pursue new projects aligned with Eni’s strategic interests. This extended agreement focuses on constructing new biorefineries, converting existing traditional refineries into biorefineries, and launching further initiatives in industrial transformation.

In pursuit of its decarbonisation objectives, Eni aims to enhance its biorefining capacity by developing projects to produce biofuels for various applications, ranging from aviation (Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF) to land and sea mobility (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil or HVO). This partnership further solidifies Saipem’s reputation for excellence in biorefining and decarbonisation, as the company leverages its extensive know-how to support Eni’s ambitious plans.

Under the terms of the agreement, Eni recently entrusted Saipem with a contract for the detailed engineering, procurement services, and the acquisition of essential equipment for upgrading the Enilive biorefinery located in Porto Marghera, near Venice.

This project will boost the plant’s production capacity from 400,000 to 600,000 tonnes/year, and from 2027 it will also facilitate the production of sustainable aviation biofuel. Additionally, Eni awarded Saipem a contract in November 2024 for the conversion of the Livorno refinery into a biorefinery capable of handling 500,000 tons of biogenic feedstock.
This initiative will employ the Ecofining technology, developed in partnership with Honeywell UOP, to produce HVO hydrogenated biofuels, with provisions for potential upgrades to SAF production in the future.

For both the Venice and Livorno projects, Saipem has executed essential preparatory engineering activities, including Feasibility Studies and Front-End Engineering Design, with the total value of these contracts amounting to approximately EUR320 million.

Presently, through its subsidiary Enilive, Eni operates with a biorefining production capacity of 1.65 million tonnes/year and is targeting an expansion to over 5 million tonnes by 2030.

Notably, Eni was a pioneer in converting traditional refineries at Venice Porto Marghera and Gela into biorefineries that process waste-derived raw materials, such as used cooking oils, animal fats, agri-food residues, and vegetable oils.
Saipem has played a crucial role in these transformations, acquiring specialised skills in reducing the carbon footprint of both new and existing plants. This renewed collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to drive a comprehensive transformation across the energy supply chain, involving all stakeholders within the Open-es system alliance, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Italian industry.