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Syzygy Plasmonics and Trafigura Forge a Groundbreaking Deal for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

In a pivotal development for the aviation and environmental sectors, Syzygy Plasmonics, a worldwide leader in light-driven chemical reactor technology, has finalized a groundbreaking six-year commercial off-take agreement with Trafigura, a major player in the global commodities industry. This agreement signifies a major step toward the production and supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), highlighting the potential of renewable resources in reducing aviation's carbon footprint.

The contract, announced on January 20, 2026, establishes a firm commitment for Trafigura to purchase all production from Syzygy's first facility, named NovaSAF-1, with the initial deliveries projected for 2028. This bold agreement not only secures a steady supply of SAF but also includes an option for Trafigura to acquire additional amounts from future Syzygy projects, potentially fulfilling extensive regulatory requirements in the SAF market.

Addressing Critical Challenges in Aviation

This endeavor arises during a crucial period for the aviation industry. As SAF mandates expand, the scarcity of sustainable feedstocks has become an increasing concern, as highlighted in the report Global Feedstock Assessment for SAF Production Outlook to 2050. Syzygy addresses this challenge by effectively utilizing abundant biogas combined with renewable electricity in a scalable, modular platform. The projected operational model is set to be cost-effective, with potential efficiencies outperforming traditional SAF production methods that rely on limited resources, such as used cooking oil.

Syzygy's proprietary process marketed under the NovaSAF™ brand has received ISCC pre-certification for producing Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) and Advanced BioSAF-compliant fuels. This positions Syzygy to provide European, UK, and other countries with a viable and scalable pathway to achieve ambitious decarbonization goals by 2030.

Trevor Best, the CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, expressed enthusiasm about this substantial agreement: "This contract is a crucial step towards commercial significance and revolutionizing the SAF market. With a signed off-take agreement from a leading company like Trafigura, and after successfully completing the FEED engineering in December, we are now poised to secure funding for the construction of NovaSAF-1 and transition our technology from potential to production."

NovaSAF-1: A Model for Efficient SAF Production

The NovaSAF-1 project, located in Durazno, Uruguay, is positioned to become the world’s first electrified biogas-to-SAF facility producing RFNBO-compliant SAF. It will leverage biogas derived from the Estancias Del Lago milk powder factory and renewable energy sourced from Uruguay to manufacture synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) SAF, which will boast lifecycle emissions that are 90% lower than fossil jet fuel while maintaining attractive project economics.

Jason Breslaw, Head of Business Development for Low-Carbon Fuels at Trafigura, reinforced the strategic significance of this off-take agreement: "This agreement enhances our strategy to support industry efforts to diversify SAF supply, especially as regulations increasingly mandate the use of advanced fuels. Through Trafigura’s extensive low-carbon fuel network, we can help aviation customers meet their requirements efficiently and economically. We are excited to support Syzygy’s innovative path from biogas to SAF, which has the potential to deliver regulatory compliance alongside competitive advantages."

Towards Global Commercialization

By achieving this milestone, Syzygy is advancing its mission to leverage the significant global opportunity to profitably convert biogas into SAF using renewable energy. This commercial concept allows the company to replicate the project model across the globe and accelerate low-cost SAF production. Syzygy completed the FEL-3 development phase in December, with the next critical milestone being securing the funding necessary for the construction of the NovaSAF-1 facility.

About Syzygy Plasmonics

Syzygy Plasmonics is a technology firm focused on decarbonizing chemical production through its proprietary light-driven reactor technology. By substituting fossil fuels with renewable electricity, Syzygy promotes the production of sustainable aviation fuel at competitive prices, contributing to a cleaner future. The company is based in Houston, Texas.

For further details, visit Syzygy Plasmonics.

About Trafigura

Trafigura is a leading employee-owned commodities firm established over 30 years ago, playing a central role in the global supply chain. The company connects essential resources to meet energy demands worldwide, using its infrastructure, market knowledge, and logistics network to transport oil, metals, gas, and power from point of production to consumption. Trafigura invests in renewable energy projects and technologies, promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

To learn more, visit Trafigura.