Abu Dhabi Energy Department and Evolve Fuels to Study Synthetic Aviation Fuel Production

The agreement has three parts. It will connect potential Abu Dhabi investors and partners with Evolve Fuels' international project pipeline, support work on policy and regulatory frameworks for e-SAF, and explore a strategy and roadmap for producing the fuel in Abu Dhabi.

A joint steering committee will oversee the work. WAM said the partners will assess technical and commercial feasibility, infrastructure and technology needs, possible industry partners and future customers, and opportunities for technology transfer and local capability building. The study will draw on the emirate's renewable energy, hydrogen and carbon capture resources.

The agreement does not commit either side to building anything. WAM said any future investment or production facility would need further evaluation and separate agreements.

Why It Matters

e-SAF is made from renewable electricity, hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide, which makes it one of the most energy-intensive routes to lower-emission jet fuel. Upcoming blending requirements in Europe and the UK are expected to push up demand. Gulf producers with cheap solar power and carbon capture projects are positioning themselves as possible suppliers.

Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Obaidli, Director-General of Regulatory Affairs at the DoE, said the department wants to build "the right regulatory and commercial foundations, so that any future projects are competitive, practical and able to deliver long-term value."

Horst H. Mahmoudi, chief executive and executive chairman of Smartenergy, described Evolve Fuels as an investment platform that aggregates e-SAF projects, starting in Europe. He said the goal is "to position Abu Dhabi as a dominant global player in a market that is set to grow rapidly" as e-SAF quotas take effect.

WAM said the next phase will identify priority opportunities and assess the technical, commercial and regulatory requirements for possible projects.