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The global energy landscape is witnessing a radical shift where used cooking oil is no longer merely waste but has become 'liquid gold' for the aviation sector. In this context, the Moroccan city of Nador is emerging as a significant new player through the Green Sky Capital project, planned for the Betoya industrial zone within the Nador West Med port complex. The project is currently being considered for strategic financing by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The project aims to produce 200,000 tons annually of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using the Vegan HEFA technology developed by the French firm Axens. This technology relies on hydro-processing used oils and fats to reconfigure their molecules into fuel that meets international aviation standards. While alternative pathways using ethanol or green hydrogen are emerging, HEFA remains the most commercially mature route globally.
Comparing this ambition to global benchmarks, Neste's refinery in Singapore leads with a capacity of one million tons per year, while Japan has already begun supplying aircraft from its Sakai plant using a sophisticated collection system for household and restaurant oils. In France, TotalEnergies is developing a similar project at its Grandpuits site with a capacity of 230,000 tons, positioning the Nador plant among the world's significant industrial units.
Total investments for the Nador facility are estimated at $239 million, spanning 88,000 square meters. Once operational, it is expected to generate demand for specialized technical skills in industrial chemistry and quality control. However, the primary challenge remains the logistical task of securing a consistent domestic supply chain of used oils, which may necessitate imports to supplement local collection efforts.
Source: ariffino.net