Eni SPA has appointed Saipem SPA as the main contractor for its Venice biorefinery expansion. The project aims to increase processing flexibility and boost renewable fuel production. The existing biorefinery is located in Porto Marghera, Italy.
The €155-million contract covers engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services. The goal is to raise the biorefinery’s capacity from 400,000 tonnes per year (tpy) to 600,000 tpy. The expanded facility is scheduled to start operations in 2027.
The upgrade will enable the Venice biorefinery to produce its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Saipem and Eni announced this milestone on June 24.
This contract follows previous agreements with Saipem. Eni awarded Saipem studies and engineering work for both Venice and Livorno biorefineries. These projects are part of Eni’s broader plan to convert traditional refineries into renewable fuel producers.
Eni confirmed in its 2025 capital markets update that the Livorno refinery conversion is planned for startup in 2026. The Livorno biorefinery will process 84,000 barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil into renewable fuels, with a capacity of 500,000 tpy.
Eni aims to transform its refineries into renewable energy hubs while maintaining optionality for traditional capacity. Since 2014, Eni has been producing biofuels from vegetable oils and biomass waste. The Venice and Gela refineries are key parts of this strategy.
Eni also plans to approve additional conversions at the Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi refinery and the Priolo Gargallo plant. The Sannazzaro biorefinery is expected to produce 550,000 tpy of renewable fuels by 2027, while Priolo aims for 500,000 tpy by 2028.
These projects support Eni’s goal to reach over 5 million tpy of biorefining capacity by 2030. They are part of Eni’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and align with the global energy transition.
