Allied Biofuels and Praj to Build Central Asia’s Biggest Ethanol and SAF Plant in Uzbekistan
Allied Biofuels FE LLC and India’s Praj Industries Ltd have signed an MoU to establish Central Asia’s biggest ethanol production complex in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region. The plant, built on Praj’s technology platform, will produce 890 tonnes of 95% ethanol per day, equal to 293,700 tonnes a year, and will capture biogenic CO₂ generated through the first-generation process.
Ethanol from this 1G stage will supply Allied Biofuels’ output of 160,400 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) a year along with 5,040 tonnes of Green Diesel. The refinery will also blend biogenic CO₂ with syngas from gasification and green hydrogen produced by 2,000 MW of PEM electrolysers to manufacture 257,000 tonnes of e-SAF annually.
As outlined in the announcement, it will be Central Asia’s first fully integrated complex able to produce SAF, e-SAF and Green Diesel. Under the deal, Praj will deliver its established first-generation ethanol technology, key proprietary machinery, and full design, engineering, procurement and commissioning services. Sorghum will be the principal raw material for ethanol production before it is upgraded into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using advanced methods.
Zero emissions goals
The project supports Uzbekistan’s climate commitments and backs the goals of the Net Zero Emissions Office as the country works towards carbon neutrality. By scaling up ethanol-to-SAF conversion, the venture aims to cut dependence on fossil-based jet fuel, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reinforce Uzbekistan’s status as a regional clean-energy leader.
Alfred Benedict, Chairman and Managing Director of Allied Biofuels, said,
«Signing this MoU is a landmark moment for Uzbekistan and Central Asia’s clean-energy future. With ethanol as the first step in our value chain, Allied Biofuels is committed to delivering an integrated refinery that will produce SAF, e-SAF, 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 realise this vision in Khorezm.»
Praj Industries Chairman Dr Pramod Chaudhari stated,
«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 set to create hundreds of skilled jobs, stimulate local industry, and cement Uzbekistan’s role as a regional centre for advanced biofuels serving both domestic and global demand.
