World’s first electrified biogas-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant in Uruguay
Posted: 10 June 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Syzygy Plasmonics and Kent launch FEED for NovaSAF 1, aiming to deliver scalable, low-cost Sustainable Aviation Fuel from biogas.
Syzygy Plasmonics, a global leader in electrified biogas-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology, has begun Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) with Kent for NovaSAF 1, the world’s first electrified biogas-to-SAF plant. Located in Durazno, Uruguay, the facility will be a scalable model for cost-effective, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
Details on the world’s first electrified biogas-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant
The site will produce over 350,000 gallons of ASTM-certified SAF annually. Backed by long-term agreements with Estancias del Lago (EDL), one of Uruguay’s largest agri-energy firms, the project leverages Syzygy’s proprietary NovaSAF platform. This novel technology combines biogas and Power-to-Liquids (PtL), using cow manure-derived biomethane and CO₂, clean electricity, and steam to produce SAF at ultra-low carbon intensity, without pipelines or water-intensive processing.
FEED is being led by Kent, a global expert in SAF project development. Permitting and equipment sourcing are also underway.
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“This is more than just a SAF plant. It’s a new model for biogas economics,” said Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics. “We’re unlocking a global asset class of underutilised biogas sites and turning them into high-value clean fuel hubs without pipelines, costly gas separation, or subsidy dependence.”
NovaSAF offers a >50% higher SAF yield than traditional thermal biogas reforming and may qualify as a Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) under EU regulations. It delivers Jet-A parity fuel, making clean aviation fuel economically viable.
Tom Bullard, EVP Operations, The Americas at Kent, added: “We’re proud to support Syzygy in delivering the world’s first profitable biogas-to-SAF plant. This milestone highlights Kent’s strength in executing cutting-edge energy projects.”
“This project reflects our commitment to sustainability while creating local value,” said Jose Pedro Sanchez, COO at EDL. “By combining agricultural waste with Uruguay’s nearly 100% renewable grid, we’re making low-cost and abundant SAF a reality.”
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