#Kazakhstan #Astana #LanzaJet #KMG

LanzaJet and KMG Partner for Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Kazakhstan

In a remarkable development during New York's Climate Week, LanzaJet, Inc., a prominent player in next-gen fuel technology, announced significant progress on Kazakhstan's inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project in collaboration with KazMunayGas (KMG). This partnership represents a milestone in promoting low-carbon aviation solutions, contributing to the decarbonization of the industry while also bolstering Kazakhstan's economic growth and energy security.

During a pivotal event, LanzaJet's CEO Jimmy Samartzis addressed an audience that included Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and KMG's President Aimakhan Khasenov. Their meeting culminated in the signing of an agreement to propel the SAF project forward, showcasing their commitment to mitigating climate change and enhancing sustainable practices within the aviation sector.

The recent completion of a joint feasibility study by LanzaJet and KMG paved the way for the transition to the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase of the project. This critical phase will finalize all technical and financial solutions necessary for the construction of the SAF plant. Jimmy Samartzis praised Kazakhstan’s vast potential across various industries, particularly emphasizing agriculture, logistics, oil and gas, and aviation. He stated, “Our collaboration with KMG positions Kazakhstan as a regional leader in advancing carbon-neutral flights and sustainable economic development.”

KMG's President, Askhat Khasenov, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the aerospace sector's environmental performance would benefit immensely from the project. He expressed optimism about the bilateral cooperation this partnership represents, underscoring how it would contribute to Kazakhstan’s goals of achieving low-carbon development and embracing cutting-edge technology.

The SAF produced through this initiative is expected to meet the growing demand within Kazakhstan, projected to reach 70,000 tons annually by 2030. This ambitious estimate reflects a broader global shift towards sustainable aviation practices, driven by increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures.

LanzaJet is known for its proprietary Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology, utilizing ethanol to produce sustainable aviation fuel—positioning the company as a leader in alternative fuel technology. The backing from notable investors such as Airbus, British Airways, Microsoft, and Suncor amplifies LanzaJet's ambition to address the challenges posed by climate change by accelerating the deployment of SAF and other alternative fuel technologies crucial for transforming the global economy.

In recognition of its innovative advancements, LanzaJet was recently named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential companies and secured a spot on MIT's list of 15 climate technology firms to watch in 2024.

As the world eyes Kazakhstan's transformative SAF project, it stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in driving sustainability. The collaboration between LanzaJet and KMG not only marks a significant step in aviation fuel technologies but also sets a precedent for future initiatives that prioritize environmental integrity, economic resilience, and energy independence. This project embodies the potential for achieving a greener future in aviation, stimulating economic growth while addressing urgent environmental challenges.