In a significant move for the energy transition sector, Saipem has been awarded a new contract from Enilive, a subsidiary of the Italian energy company Eni, for the expansion of the Venice Biorefinery in Porto Marghera.
In a significant move for the energy transition sector, Saipem has been awarded a new contract from Enilive, a subsidiary of the Italian energy company Eni, for the expansion of the Venice Biorefinery in Porto Marghera. Valued at approximately €155 million, the contract covers the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities for the project. This award solidifies Saipem's position as a key player in the biorefining segment and reinforces its commitment to supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.
The core objective of the expansion is to significantly increase the plant's production capacity from the current 400,000 tons per year to 600,000 tons per year. A particularly important aspect of this upgrade is the enabling of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, with operations expected to commence in 2027. This development is a major step towards decarbonizing the aviation industry and meeting the growing demand for low-carbon fuels.
The Venice Biorefinery, which was the first conventional refinery in the world to be converted into a biorefinery in 2014, is a cornerstone of Eni's strategy to transform its industrial assets into renewable energy hubs. The facility processes waste raw materials, such as used cooking oils, animal fats, and residues from the agri-food industry, into biofuels, contributing to the circular economy. This expansion further strengthens Enilive's biorefining capacity, which the company aims to increase to over 5 million tons per year by 2030, up from its current 1.65 million tons per year.
The project is a crucial part of a renewed collaboration agreement between Saipem and Enilive on biorefining, demonstrating a continued partnership between the two companies in advancing green energy solutions. The award follows a previous assignment in March, where Saipem was tasked with preliminary detailed engineering, procurement services, and the acquisition of critical equipment for the same project.
Saipem's extensive experience in engineering and construction, particularly in the offshore and onshore energy sectors, makes it a suitable partner for such a complex and specialized project. The company is actively diversifying its portfolio to include renewable energy, offshore wind, and other low-carbon solutions, aligning its business strategy with the global push for decarbonization. This contract is a testament to its successful pivot and growing expertise in new energy technologies. The partnership between Saipem and Enilive is a prime example of how major companies are leveraging their combined skills to drive innovation and contribute to a more sustainable future.
