Allied Biofuels - The Times Of Central Asia

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Uzbekistan Airports Signs Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deal Tied to $6 Billion Biofuel Project

Uzbekistan Airports and Allied Biofuels FE LLC have signed a memorandum of understanding on the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and electro-synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) in Uzbekistan. The agreement outlines plans for cooperation on the supply of cleaner aviation fuel beginning in 2030. The move is part of Uzbekistan’s broader effort to position itself as a regional hub for sustainable aviation and low-carbon transport infrastructure. Under the memorandum, the two sides will work together to develop supply chains and infrastructure for SAF and e-SAF, which are intended to help reduce aviation emissions. Allied Biofuels is developing what it describes as Central Asia’s first integrated large-scale biorefinery. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to produce around 160,400 tonnes of SAF, 257,000 tonnes of e-SAF, and 5,040 tonnes of green diesel annually. The project, estimated at $6.1 billion, is among the largest clean energy infrastructure initiatives announced in the region. According to the company, the refinery will operate using a 4.45-gigawatt renewable energy system supported by battery storage and green hydrogen production infrastructure. U.S.-based Plug Power has been selected as the preferred supplier of electrolyzer technology for the project. Javlonbek Umarkhodjaev, chairman of the board of Uzbekistan Airports JSC, said the partnership represents an important step toward modernizing the country’s aviation sector and exploring sustainable fuel alternatives. Alfred Benedict, general director of Allied Biofuels, described the memorandum as a major milestone for the company and said the cooperation could support the future development of cleaner air transport across Central Asia. Allied Biofuels said the project continues to receive support from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade and the country’s Investment Promotion Agency. The memorandum follows an earlier announcement reported by The Times of Central Asia in April, when Uzbekistan signed a binding implementation agreement for the same $6.08 billion biofuel project in the Khorezm Region. The agreement was concluded in Perth, Australia, between Khorezm regional authorities and Allied Biofuels.

Clean Energy

Uzbekistan Moves Forward with $6 Billion Biofuel Project in Khorezm

Uzbekistan has announced a major step toward developing large-scale clean energy infrastructure with the signing of a binding implementation agreement for a $6.08 billion biofuel project in the Khorezm region. The Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) was signed between Allied Biofuels FE LLC and the regional government of Khorezm, formalizing plans to build what the developers describe as Central Asia’s first integrated biofuel refinery. The agreement was concluded on April 2 in Perth, Australia, by Khorezm regional governor Jurabek Rakhimov and Alfred Benedict, chairman and general director of Allied Biofuels. According to Allied Biofuels, the project has been granted special economic zone status under a presidential decree, providing tax exemptions and customs incentives aimed at ensuring long-term financial stability and investor confidence. Once completed, the facility is expected to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electro-synthetic SAF (e-SAF), and green diesel at an industrial scale. Annual output is projected to reach approximately 160,400 tonnes of SAF, 257,000 tonnes of e-SAF, and 5,040 tonnes of green diesel. The refinery will be supported by a large renewable energy system, including battery storage and hydrogen production capacity. The project also incorporates a closed-loop model that converts biogenic carbon dioxide into fuel while using agricultural feedstock as a primary input. Officials say the initiative is designed not only to produce fuel but also to strengthen industrial capacity and introduce advanced technologies. The construction phase alone is expected to generate around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs. Speaking at the signing, Rakhimov said the project would help build a “high value-added industrial chain” in the region and expand export potential. He added that cooperation with Allied Biofuels would support the transfer of advanced green technologies and position Khorezm as “an emerging international hub for green industry.” Benedict described the agreement as “a defining moment” for both the company and the broader clean energy sector. “This project sends an unambiguous message to the global investment community, Uzbekistan is not merely open for business; it is ready to lead,” he said. The project is being developed in partnership with international technology providers, including hydrogen systems supplied by Plug Power. Advisory support for the transaction was provided by Affinity Capital Group.

Ethanol Refinery

Uzbekistan to Build Central Asia’s Largest Ethanol Refinery

Allied Biofuels FE LLC and India’s Praj Industries Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to construct what is set to become Central Asia’s largest ethanol refinery in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, the companies announced on November 17. Praj will provide first-generation ethanol technology, proprietary equipment, and full-spectrum support, including design, engineering, procurement, and commissioning. The planned facility will produce 890 tonnes of 95% ethanol per day, or approximately 293,700 tonnes annually, using sorghum as the primary feedstock. The plant will also capture biogenic CO₂ generated during the production process. Allied Biofuels intends to convert this ethanol into 160,400 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and 5,040 tonnes of green diesel each year. Biogenic CO₂ will also be combined with synthesis gas and green hydrogen, produced from 2,000 MW of PEM electrolysers, to generate 257,000 tonnes of Electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) annually. The project represents the first phase in establishing Central Asia’s first integrated refinery for SAF, e-SAF, and green diesel. According to the companies, the initiative supports Uzbekistan’s climate objectives and aligns with the goals of the national Net Zero Emissions Office. “This MOU is a landmark moment for Uzbekistan and for Central Asia’s clean-energy future,” said Alfred Benedict, Chairman and Managing Director of Allied Biofuels. “This project will strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and create long-term economic opportunities for the region.” Praj Industries Chairman Dr. Pramod Chaudhari added, “With our proven expertise and advanced technologies, Praj will help develop the ethanol facility and support Uzbekistan in advancing its sustainability targets.” The investment is expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs and position Uzbekistan as a regional leader in advanced biofuels. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported on Uzbekistan’s increased emphasis on renewable energy and efforts to attract international clean-technology partnerships.