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Syzygy Plasmonics and Trafigura: A Sustainable Aviation Fuel Revolution

In a groundbreaking move for the aviation fuel industry, Syzygy Plasmonics, renowned for its innovative light-driven chemical reactor technology, has inked a binding six-year agreement with Trafigura Pte Ltd. This collaboration signals a significant advancement in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is envisioned to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly aviation energy sources. This partnership is not merely about fuel production; it represents a transformational step towards a cleaner future for the aviation sector, which has long sought sustainable alternatives amid mounting regulatory pressures.

The agreement encompasses the entire production output of Syzygy's upcoming facility named NovaSAF-1, aimed at commencing operations with its first deliveries scheduled for 2028. The contract also includes provisions for Trafigura to secure additional volumes of SAF from Syzygy's future endeavors, potentially solidifying a robust supply chain for compliant SAF in response to evolving regulatory mandates.

Addressing Industry Challenges

The aviation industry faces a dual challenge: meeting expanding SAF mandates while contending with a diminishing supply of sustainable feedstocks. The Global Feedstock Assessment for SAF Production Outlook to 2050 has highlighted the constraining factors affecting fuel availability. In response, Syzygy's cutting-edge approach integrates abundant biogas and renewable electricity into a modular electrified production platform. This innovative solution not only aims to be cost-competitive but also has the potential to outperform existing SAF production methods, which largely rely on limited feedstock like used cooking oil.

The NovaSAF™ process, which has secured ISCC pre-certification for the production of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), assures compliance with stringent European and UK regulatory frameworks. This certification marks a crucial step in establishing a viable, scalable pathway for other regions to align with ambitious decarbonization targets set for 2030.

Syzygy’s Ambitious Project: NovaSAF-1

Located in Durazno, Uruguay, the NovaSAF-1 facility will be the world’s first biogas-to-SAF plant powered by electrification. It will utilize biogas sourced from the Estancias Del Lago powdered milk facility and leverage local renewable energy to produce synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK). This innovative production method is projected to yield fuel with lifecycle emissions that are 90% lower than traditional fossil fuels, offering an economically viable solution to current market demands.

As Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, proclaimed, “This agreement marks a critical step in our journey toward commercial-scale impact and disrupting the SAF market.” Best also emphasized the importance of having secured a partnership with a prominent global player such as Trafigura, remarking on the significance it holds for their operational potential.

The Future of Aviation Fuel

Jason Breslaw, Head of Low Carbon Fuels Business Development at Trafigura, echoed this sentiment, stating that the agreement aligns with the company's ongoing strategy to foster a diversified SAF supply chain. He underscored Trafigura's commitment to assisting aviation clients in adapting to regulatory shifts while efficiently providing low-carbon alternatives.

With the successful completion of FEED engineering in December, Syzygy is now gearing up to raise capital for the construction of NovaSAF-1. This move not only reinforces Syzygy's mission to turn biogas into SAF globally but also sets a precedent for the replication of this model in different regions, thereby accelerating the pace of producing competitive and sustainable aviation fuel worldwide.

Summary

In summary, the partnership between Syzygy Plasmonics and Trafigura is a strategic step towards reshaping the future of aviation fuel. By capitalizing on renewable energy and innovative technology, they are paving the way for sustainable practices in an industry that has traditionally relied on fossil fuels. As the aviation sector aims for a sustainable future, collaborations like these will be crucial in transforming the way air travel is powered, ultimately leading to a greener planet.

For more insights on this partnership and its implications for the aviation industry, visit Syzygy Plasmonics and Trafigura.