Avalon BioEnergy Uruguay, part of the U.S.-based Avalon Energy Group, has launched an innovative Agriculture-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) biorefinery in Uruguay.
This project, supported by the Uruguayan government, aims to significantly reduce emissions from air travel. By integrating sustainable agriculture with green hydrogen production, the facility will provide up to an 80% reduction in emissions compared to traditional jet fuels. This aligns with global efforts to decarbonize aviation without affecting food commodities.
Irshad Ahmed, the President & CEO of Auris-Avalon Group, expressed his gratitude for the Uruguayan government’s support. He highlighted the project as a crucial milestone for establishing Uruguay’s first SAF facility. The use of non-edible oil seed crops will help create a sustainable feedstock supply chain that contributes to net-zero goals and regional economic growth.
The SAF project, designated a high-impact clean energy initiative, is set to cost US$380 million. It includes plans for a 100,000 metric ton per year SAF production facility using the Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) process. A 50 MW solar power plant will be developed to produce green hydrogen, essential for SAF production. Prismecs, a Houston-based company with expertise in complex energy projects, has been chosen to build the solar and hydrogen plants, ensuring the project’s success.
Avalon Energy Group is expanding its efforts beyond Uruguay, with plans for SAF, biodiesel, and green hydrogen projects in the United States, India, South Africa, Eswatini, and Kenya. These initiatives support the global transition toward a low-carbon economy and aid in fulfilling the COP26 Net Zero Carbon reduction commitments.
