DURAZNO, URUGUAY — Syzygy Plasmonics, a Houston-based leader in electrified fuel technologies, has initiated the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase for NovaSAF 1, marking a significant milestone as the world’s first electrified biogas-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. Partnering with Kent, a global expert in SAF project execution, and supported by Estancias del Lago (EDL), a major Uruguayan dairy and agri-energy operator, the project is poised to redefine SAF economics by delivering over 350,000 gallons of ASTM D7566-compliant SAF annually starting in Q1 2027.
The NovaSAF™ platform integrates biogas and Power-to-Liquids (PtL) technologies, utilizing cow manure-derived biomethane and CO₂ as feedstocks, alongside renewable electricity and steam from Uruguay’s nearly 100% renewable grid. This approach eliminates the need for gas pipelines and costly separation processes, achieving an estimated carbon intensity reduction of over 80% compared to conventional Jet-A fuel. Unlike traditional SAF pathways such as Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) or Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ), NovaSAF™ achieves cost parity with Jet-A, making it a commercially viable solution without reliance on subsidies. The platform’s modular design also enables replication in biogas-rich regions globally, targeting tens of thousands of untapped biogas sites.
A key differentiator of NovaSAF™ is its ability to utilize both methane and CO₂ from biogas, yielding over 50% higher SAF output than conventional thermal biogas reforming methods. The process is water-efficient and aligns with stringent regulatory frameworks, including EU Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards, U.S. SAF regulations, and CORSIA requirements. The project’s timeline includes a Final Investment Decision (FID) in Q4 2025, with permitting and equipment sourcing already underway.
Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, emphasized the project’s transformative potential: “This is more than just a SAF plant. It’s a new model for biogas economics. We’re unlocking a global asset class of underutilized biogas sites and turning them into high-value clean fuel hubs without pipelines, costly gas separation, or subsidy dependence.”
Jose Pedro Sanchez, COO of Estancias del Lago, highlighted the local and environmental benefits: “This project reflects our commitment to sustainability while creating local value and advancing Syzygy’s exciting SAF platform. By combining agricultural waste with Uruguay’s renewable grid, we’re making low-cost and abundant SAF a reality.”
“This is more than just a SAF plant. It’s a new model for biogas economics.” — Trevor Best, CEO, Syzygy Plasmonics.
Tom Bullard, EVP Operations, The Americas at Kent, underscored their role: “We’re proud to support Syzygy in delivering the world’s first profitable biogas-to-SAF plant. This milestone highlights Kent’s strength in bringing complex, cutting-edge energy projects to life.”
With offtake opportunities still available, Syzygy is positioning NovaSAF 1 as a blueprint for scalable, low-cost SAF production. Ishan Rao, Syzygy’s contact for partnerships, is driving engagement with potential stakeholders to expand the project’s impact.
