Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy has signed an agreement with Evolve Fuels, a portfolio company of Smartenergy Group, to explore electro-sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) production in the UAE.
Evolve Fuels will explore technical and commercial viability, with the aim to connect Abu Dhabi partners with the company’s European project pipeline. The UAE can provide renewable energy, hydrogen and carbon capture resources.
Horst H Mahmoudi, CEO and Executive Chairman of Smartenergy, said: “Evolve Fuels is an investment platform that, starting in Europe, aggregates and accelerates e-SAF projects at a time when the market needs scale and speed. Through this agreement with the Department of Energy, we are opening our project pipeline to Abu Dhabi investors and partners, while jointly evaluating the potential for e-SAF production in Abu Dhabi, building on the Emirate’s renewable energy, Power-to-X and carbon capture resources. Our goal is to position Abu Dhabi as a dominant global player in a market that is set to grow rapidly, as e-SAF quotas, starting in Europe and the UK, take effect.”
H E Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Obaidli, Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, comments: “SAF has the potential to play an important role in the future of aviation. This agreement gives us an opportunity to assess how Abu Dhabi’s energy resources and industrial capabilities can support the development of this market, while creating opportunities for investment and technology partnerships. Our focus is on building the right regulatory and commercial foundations, so that any future projects are competitive, practical and able to deliver long-term value.”
