Velocys Selected as Technology Provider in World's First Electrified Biogas-to-SAF Plant

Deal News | Jul 16, 2025 | Lightrock

Velocys Selected as Technology Provider in World's First Electrified Biogas-to-SAF Plant

Velocys has been appointed as the Fischer-Tropsch technology provider for NovaSAF 1, the world's first electrified biogas-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Uruguay. This facility is a collaboration with Syzygy Plasmonics and aims to transform dairy waste and biogas into SAF using renewable electricity and waste-derived gases. Syzygy's light-driven syngas generation process creates the ideal mix for Velocys's reactor system, leading to cost-effective SAF production. The plant aims for operations in 2027, with a production capacity of 500,000 gallons annually. The project's modular design allows for global replication at underutilized biogas sites.

Sectors

  • Renewable Energy
  • Aerospace & Aviation
  • Technology

Geography

  • Uruguay – The project NovaSAF 1, the world's first electrified biogas-to-SAF plant, is being implemented in Uruguay.

Industry

  • Renewable Energy – The project involves converting renewable resources such as dairy waste and biogas into sustainable aviation fuel.
  • Aerospace & Aviation – The transformation of biogas into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) directly impacts the aviation industry's move towards sustainability.
  • Technology – Advanced technology platforms like Syzygy's light-driven syngas generation and Velocys's microFTL reactor system are central to the project's success.

Financials

  • 500,000 gallons per year – The planned annual production capacity of the NovaSAF 1 facility.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
VelocysTechnology ProviderCompanyVelocys is a company providing Fischer-Tropsch technology for the NovaSAF 1 project to maximize fuel yield.
Syzygy PlasmonicsProject LeaderCompanySyzygy Plasmonics leads the NovaSAF 1 project and provides a novel GHG e-Reforming platform for low-cost fuel production.
LightrockPrivate Equity FirmCompanyLightrock is the private equity firm backing Syzygy Plasmonics in this project.