In a groundbreaking move for the aviation sector, Syzygy Plasmonics, a frontrunner in low-energy chemical reactor technology, has sealed a pivotal six-year agreement with Trafigura, a market leader in global commodities. This agreement, which mandates the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), signifies a major milestone in addressing environmental concerns associated with aviation fuel production. The deal will leverage abundant biogas and renewable electricity to produce SAF competitively priced, with the first deliveries set to commence in 2028.
The binding agreement will encompass the entire output from Syzygy’s inaugural production facility, NovaSAF-1, underscoring its strategic importance in the global push towards sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, Trafigura has secured an option for future volumes from subsequent projects by Syzygy, positioning it strongly to meet regulatory requirements as governments tighten mandates around aviation fuel emissions.
The urgency of this collaboration comes amidst the increasing scarcity of sustainable feedstocks essential for SAF production—a challenge noted in the Global Feedstock Assessment for SAF Production Prospects to 2050. Syzygy’s offering stands to alleviate this issue by combining readily available biogas with renewable energy resources through its innovative modular and electrified approach. This method is engineered to not only be cost-effective but also to potentially outperform existing SAF production pathways which traditionally rely on limited supplies such as used cooking oil.
Known commercially as NovaSAF™, Syzygy’s process has already been precertified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for producing Non-Biological Renewable Fuels (RFNBO) and fuels compatible with Advanced BioSAF. This recognition provides a scalable and viable alternative for regions like Europe and the UK to achieve aggressive decarbonization targets by 2030.
Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating, "This marks a crucial step in our journey towards making an impactful commercial change in the SAF market. With a purchase agreement in place with a global leader like Trafigura, we are set to secure the financing needed for constructing NovaSAF-1 and transition our technology from potential into reality."
NovaSAF-1: A Strategic Facility for SAF Production
The NovaSAF-1 project, to be located in Durazno, Uruguay, is touted as the world’s first electrified facility dedicated to converting biogas into synthetic paraphinic kerosene (SPK) for SAF, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in lifecycle emissions compared to traditional fossil aviation fuels. This innovative facility will utilize biogas sourced from the Estancias del Lago milk powder plant along with renewable electricity from Uruguay to generate SAF profitably.
Jason Breslaw, Trafigura's director of Low Carbon Fuels Development, shared his insights, stating, "This supply agreement complements our strategy to diversify the aviation industry’s SAF supply, especially as regulations increasingly require advanced fuels. Trafigura’s global low-carbon fuel network positions us uniquely to help our aviation clients meet these demands efficiently and affordably. We are excited to support Syzygy's pioneering strategy to convert biogas into SAF, which boasts the potential for regulatory compliance and competitive economics."
Towards a Global Market Transformation
This pivotal partnership supports Syzygy’s vision to capitalize on the global opportunity of producing SAF affordably through renewable electricity. With the commercial framework established, Syzygy is poised to replicate its project model worldwide, expediting the production of SAF at competitive prices across the globe. Following the completion of its FEL 3 engineering in December, the company’s next milestone is securing funding to commence construction of the NovaSAF-1 facility.
About Syzygy Plasmonics
Syzygy Plasmonics is at the forefront of decarbonizing chemical production with its patented photoelectric reactor technology. By replacing fossil fuel combustion with renewable electricity, Syzygy is paving the way for market-leading affordable SAF production. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is committed to propelling the world towards a cleaner future through the power of photocatalysis.
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Syzygy Plasmonics.
About Trafigura
Founded over 30 years ago, Trafigura is a leading employee-owned commodity group. Focused on connecting vital resources to drive and build the world, Trafigura integrates infrastructure, market expertise, and global logistics to transport various commodities, thereby creating robust relationships that enhance supply chain efficiency and sustainability. The Group employs around 14,500 people across over 150 countries.
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Trafigura.