Paris/Beijing – In a significant move towards sustainable energy solutions, TotalEnergies and China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) announced on March 26, 2024, the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HoA) to develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit at a SINOPEC refinery in China. The unit, which will be co-owned by both companies, is expected to produce 230,000 tons of SAF per year using local waste and residues such as cooking oils and animal fats.
SINOPEC has pioneered its own SAF production technology, SRJET, and TotalEnergies, one of Europe’s leading SAF producers, will contribute its extensive expertise in technical operations, production, and distribution. This partnership aims to enhance the production capabilities and efficiency of SAF, crucial for the aviation industry’s shift towards more sustainable fuel sources.
“This milestone collaboration with TotalEnergies is in line with our strategy in the development of low carbon solutions for China and the world,” stated Yongsheng Ma, SINOPEC Group Chairman. “SINOPEC is committed to providing green and low-carbon energy solutions while improving the quality and efficiency of its asset portfolio.”
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are very pleased to collaborate with SINOPEC, a major player in the global refining industry, to produce sustainable aviation fuels and structure a SAF production chain in China. The development of sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of our company’s transition strategy, as we strive to meet the aviation industry’s demand to reduce its carbon footprint. TotalEnergies has set itself a target of 1.5 million tons of annual SAF production by 2030.”
The development of this SAF unit aligns with global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from air transport. Sustainable aviation fuels, produced from waste and residues, are pivotal in the aviation sector’s quest to lower its carbon emissions. Currently, SAFs are produced from biofuels and synthetic fuels, which significantly cut down CO2 emissions compared to conventional jet fuels.
TotalEnergies, a global multi-energy company, continues to expand its footprint in sustainable energy production, with operations spanning nearly 130 countries. The company’s commitment to affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy underscores its projects and operations aimed at enhancing global well-being.
