KazMunayGas, LanzaJet could produce sustainable aviation fuel in Kazakhstan
ASTANA. Aug 7 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan's national oil company KazMunayGas (KMG) and American technology company LanzaJet could team up to produce sustainable aviation fuel in Kazakhstan.
KMG chief Askhath Khasenov and LanzaJet discussed a strategic partnership with Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of the American technology company LanzaJet, to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Kazakhstan, KMG's press service said.
"Given the increasing global demand for SAF, our company is exploring the possibility of producing sustainable and environmentally friendly SAF in Kazakhstan," Khasenov said.
Samartzis said LanzaJet was committed to providing full technological support for this initiative.
The two signed a memorandum of understanding following their meeting.
Previously, KMG, LanzaJet, and Japanese investment firm Mitsui had been exploring the possibility of SAF production in Kazakhstan.
"A pre-feasibility study for the SAF production facility in Kazakhstan has been completed through a joint initiative by KMG and Air Astana, with financial support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The next step is to create a detailed feasibility study for the project," KMG said earlier.
Air Astana is considering SAF for its fleet. According to the low-carbon development concept of the state fund Samruk-Kazyna, SAF consumption by the airline is expected to gradually increase to 5% by 2040, 15% by 2050, and 25% by 2060. Additionally, KMG's three major refineries are preparing to produce Jet A-1 fuel, which could be blended with SAF in the future.
LanzaJet has recently commissioned its LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels plant in the U.S., which aims to produce 1 billion gallons of SAF by 2030. LanzaJet's technology enables the conversion of industrial emissions and recycled natural gas into sustainable aviation fuel, according to KMG.
KazMunayGas is Kazakhstan's national operator for the exploration, extraction, processing, and transportation of hydrocarbons, representing the state's interests in the oil and gas sector.