Uruguay SAF project gains momentum with Velocys Onboard as FT licensor
Syzygy Plasmonics is rewriting the rules of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production with a first-of-its-kind commercial project in Uruguay—now supported by Fischer-Tropsch technology leader Velocys. The NovaSAF 1 facility will convert dairy waste and biogas into drop-in jet fuel with a nameplate capacity of 500,000 gallons annually, using only renewable electricity and waste gas—no green hydrogen, no complex gasification.
At the heart of the project is Syzygy's light-driven GHG e-Reforming technology, which produces the ideal 2:1 syngas ratio for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis directly from biogenic methane and CO₂. This breakthrough eliminates the need for water-intensive steam reforming or expensive electrolyzers, radically simplifying the SAF value chain.
To convert that syngas into high-yield jet fuel, Syzygy has selected Velocys and its microFTL technology, known for reliability and for maximizing fuel output, both critical factors in driving down the total cost required to produce synthetic fuel.
"This project proves that profitable SAF production doesn't have to wait on future infrastructure," said Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics. "With Velocys, we're bringing in a complete, modular solution that drives down overall production costs and is ready to scale. Uruguay is only the start."
"We're proud to bring our FT technology into a project that's changing the game," said Matthew Viergutz, CEO of Velocys. "This is what innovation looks like—fast, flexible, and focused on making SAF production affordable."
NovaSAF 1 Project Highlights:
- Nameplate capacity: 500,000 gallons/year of ASTM D7566-compliant SAF
- Feedstocks: Dairy waste, biogenic methane, and CO₂
- Power source: 100% renewable electricity
- Technology: Syzygy's NovaSAF™ platform + Velocys' microFTL™ technology
- FID: Q4 2025 | Start of Operations: Q1 2027
- Certifications in progress: CORSIA, EU RED II and RFNBO, LCFS, U.S. RFS
- With its modular design and feedstock flexibility, NovaSAF 1 is built for replication across 50,000+ untapped biogas sites worldwide—unlocking a new era of profitable, policy-aligned SAF production.
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