Japanese industrial group Mitsui has agreed to invest in a renewable diesel (hydrotreated vegetable oil/HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production business operated by Galp in Portugal.

According to a statement, a joint venture company will be established, with Galp owning 75 per cent of its shares and Mitsui 25 per cent.

This project will involve the construction of facilities within the Sines Refinery (pictured above), which can be switched between HVO and SAF production modes. With the first HVO production at the end of 2025, the project’s commercial operation date is expected in 2026, and it is anticipated that the facilities will also be used to produce SAF, demand for which is expected to increase over the long period.

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HVO is an alternative diesel fuel for vehicles with internal combustion engines, such as buses and trucks. SAF is an alternative jet fuel for use in aircraft. Both are environmentally friendly fuels with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Demand for HVO and SAF is expected to grow, especially in Europe, where policies to encourage the use of biofuels are introduced.

In addition to its investment in the production business, Mitsui will also take responsibility for the overall value chain, including the procurement of feedstocks, primarily from Asia, and the sales of the products.

Mitsui has identified Global Energy Transition as a key strategic initiative in its Medium-term Management Plan 2026. Through its participation in this HVO/SAF business, Mitsui aims to build and expand its next-generation fuel business portfolio in diesel fuel, which accounts for the largest market in the area of transportation fuels, as well as aviation fuel.