Egypt to Produce Jet Fuel from Recycled Cooking Oil

Egypt took a major step toward decarbonizing its aviation sector with the launch of its first-ever project to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from used cooking oil, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced.

The ministry signed a production license agreement between the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), through the newly established Egyptian Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company, and Honeywell UOP. 

The signing was attended by ECHEM Chairman Ibrahim Makki and Khaled Hashem, Honeywell’s President and CEO for the Middle East and Africa.

Following the ceremony, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi said the initiative marks a landmark moment for Egypt’s energy sector. The project, he added, directly supports the country’s broader transition toward greener energy solutions and aims to reduce aviation-related carbon emissions by supplying environmentally compliant sustainable jet fuel.

“This is the first project of its kind in Egypt and a new step toward aligning the petroleum sector with national climate goals,” Badawi said. “It represents both an environmental breakthrough and an economic opportunity.”

Planned for construction in Alexandria, the facility will convert used cooking oil into sustainable aviation fuel, with a projected capacity of 120,000 tons annually. According to the ministry, the plant could help cut approximately 400,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year, making it one of the most impactful green-energy projects currently underway in the country.

Badawi emphasized that SAF production ranks among the ministry’s top priorities due to its strong commercial potential and its central role in global efforts to decarbonize air travel.

Honeywell’s Khaled Hashem highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership, describing it as a reflection of mutual trust and a shared ambition to deploy cutting-edge, low-carbon technologies.

“Honeywell is committed to bringing its global expertise to support Egypt in producing sustainable aviation fuel that meets the highest international standards,” Hashem said, noting that the project reinforces regional momentum toward cleaner aviation fuels.