Malaysia-based biofuel feedstock supplier FatHopes Energy Sdn Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai-based Lootah Biofuels LLC to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to airlines operating from Dubai International Airport.
The agreement was inked during the COP28 summit in Dubai and witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Bin Nik Ahmad, and the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Mariam Almheiri.
The collaboration aims to explore the development of a SAF refinery that can supply SAF to the aviation sector in Dubai or directly to the airport. The location of the plant will be determined based on strategic factors such as proximity to the point of consumption in Dubai or availability of feedstock in Malaysia.
The MoU is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry and promoting green energy solutions. As part of the agreement, Lootah Biofuels will study, adapt, and implement FatHopes Energy’s used cooking oil (UCO) aggregation technology, including mobile apps, digital solutions, an entrepreneurship program, and franchisee scheme across the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative will secure a consistent supply of raw materials for the SAF refinery and establish a circular economy model that turns waste oil into valuable fuel.
The MoU also outlines plans for assessing and exploring the collaborative establishment of a UCO feedstock aggregation hub located in Westport, Malaysia. The hub will serve as a regional consolidation centre for managing all waste-derived feedstock spanning Asia with an annual capacity of 200,00 tons. Beyond its operational function, the hub will promote regional collaboration and trade within the renewable energy sector, contributing to a more interconnected and sustainable landscape. Collectively, FatHopes Energy and Lootah Biofuels will also study the establishment of essential biofuels infrastructure in Southeast Asia to support the biofuels industry throughout the entire supply chain.
