Breakthrough in Solid-State Fusion Announced by Syzygy Plasmonics and Honeywell

In a significant stride towards a greener future, Honeywell UOP, a global leader in hydrocracking technology, is continuing to advance the production of lower-carbon fuels for aviation. This time, in collaboration with Syzygy Plasmonics, the duo is working on the NovaSAF-1 project - the world's first electrified biogas-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility.

Located in Durazno, Uruguay, the NovaSAF-1 plant is poised to serve as a repeatable and scalable model for future biogas-to-SAF facilities. Kent, a leading engineering firm, is spearheading the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) for this groundbreaking project.

The NovaSAF-1 plant, when developed, is anticipated to produce over 350,000 gallons (1.3 million litres) of SAF per year. This production capacity, coupled with the potential to be replicated at over 50,000 biogas sites globally, could significantly aid in the scaling of affordable SAF production.

Syzygy Plasmonics will utilize Honeywell's hydrocracking technology to accelerate the development of the NovaSAF-1 plant. Honeywell UOP's technology is being leveraged to address the cost and feedstock challenges for scaling SAF production.

The NovaSAF platform, with Honeywell's technology, demonstrates the potential for biogas-to-SAF facilities to become more achievable. Syzygy Plasmonics will use Honeywell UOP's Fischer-Tropsch Unicracking technology to produce SAF from dairy waste and renewable energy.

The world's first electrified biogas-to-SAF project is expected to be Syzygy's modular commercial plant, NovaSAF-1. This plant, through its use of biogas waste and renewable energy, contributes to the production of renewable fuels as traditional feedstocks become scarce.

Trevor Best, CEO and co-founder of Syzygy Plasmonics, states that the NovaSAF platform delivers both high volumes and low price points, including potential Jet-A parity under certain conditions. Rajesh Gattupalli, President of Honeywell UOP, shares this optimism, stating that Syzygy's modular construction paired with Honeywell's technology can improve waste-to-clean-energy conversion.

A final investment decision is targeted for Q4 2025, with commercial operations planned to begin in early 2027. By 2030, the International Energy Agency predicts that waste- and non-food crop-based biofuels will supply over 40% of biofuel demand. The NovaSAF-1 plant, through its anticipated profitability, may encourage the expansion of biogas-to-SAF facilities globally, contributing significantly to this prediction.