Praj Industries to build ethanol refinery in Uzbekistan, fueling Allied Biofuels’ SAF plans

Allied Biofuels FE LLC announced Nov. 17 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Praj Industries Ltd. to develop Central Asia’s largest ethanol production facility in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan.

Praj’s technology in the ethanol refinery will generate 890 metric tons per day, or 293,700 tons per year (tpy), of 95 percent ethanol and capture biogenic CO2 from the first-generation process.

The Allied Biofuels project will utilize the ethanol to produce 160,400 tpy of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and 5,040 tpy of renewable diesel.

According to Allied Biofuels, biogenic CO2 from the first-generation ethanol process will be combined with the synthesis gas from an onsite gasification process, and green hydrogen made from 2,000 megawatts of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, to produce 257,000 tpy of eSAF.

“The project represents the crucial first step in establishing Central Asia’s first integrated refinery producing SAF, eSAF and green diesel,” Allied Biofuels stated.

Under the agreement, Praj will deploy its proven first-generation ethanol technology, supply proprietary equipment and provide design, engineering, procurement and commissioning support.

Sorghum will be used as the primary feedstock for ethanol production, which will in turn serve as the base input for advanced conversion technologies to produce SAF and renewable diesel.

The project is designed to align with Uzbekistan’s climate strategy and directly support the work of the country’s Net Zero Emissions Office, which is driving national policies toward carbon neutrality.

By enabling large-scale ethanol-to-SAF conversion, Allied Biofuels said the refinery will help displace fossil-based aviation fuels, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and advance Uzbekistan’s role as a regional leader in renewable energy.

“Signing this MOU is a landmark moment for Uzbekistan and for Central Asia’s clean-energy future,” said Alfred Benedict, the chairman and managing director of Allied Biofuels. “With ethanol as the first step in our value chain, Allied Biofuels is committed to delivering an integrated refinery that will produce SAF, eSAF, and green diesel at world scale. This project will strengthen energy security, reduce emissions and create long-term economic opportunities for the region. Praj’s technology and expertise provide the right foundation to realize this vision in Khorezm.”

Pramod Chaudhari, the chairman of Praj Industries, added, “We are delighted to partner with Allied Biofuels on this pioneering initiative in Uzbekistan. With our proven expertise and advanced technologies, Praj will help develop the ethanol facility. This development will support Uzbekistan’s sustainability goals while positioning Central Asia as an emerging hub in the global energy transition.”

The investment is expected to create hundreds of skilled jobs, stimulate local industry and establish Uzbekistan as a hub for advanced biofuels, serving both domestic demand and global markets, according to Allied Biofuels.