Syzygy and Geo to Develop Commercial SAF Projects in Brazil

A new partnership aims to establish commercial-scale production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Brazil by converting biogas from sugarcane residue. Syzygy Plasmonics and Geo bio gas&carbon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop multiple SAF production facilities, initially targeting 100,000 metric tons per year.

The agreement, announced in early March 2026, marks a significant step in leveraging Brazil's vast agricultural resources for aviation decarbonization. The collaboration will utilize Syzygy's proprietary electrified technology to process biogas, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, into renewable jet fuel. This initiative aligns with the global aviation industry's strategy to reduce its carbon footprint through the adoption of drop-in sustainable fuels.

Partnership and Production Goals

The MoU outlines a strategic plan to transform underutilized agricultural waste into a high-value energy product. According to a press release from Syzygy Plasmonics, the initial phase of the partnership targets the production of 100,000 metric tons of SAF annually. This is part of a larger vision, with an envisioned aggregate production scale exceeding 525,000 metric tons per year over the long term.

This collaboration is a component of Syzygy's global NovaSAF™ platform expansion, which seeks to deploy its technology internationally. The company has already established similar partnerships in the United States, the Dominican Republic, Europe, and Mexico, all focused on converting wasted biogas into SAF. Geo bio gas&carbon, a Brazilian company focused on converting biomass and waste into clean energy, provides critical local expertise and access to feedstock.

Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics, commented on the strategic importance of the agreement. "This partnership with Geo, alongside our growing project pipeline across the world, demonstrates that we are laying the groundwork toward becoming a major supplier in the SAF industry," he stated. "By partnering with Geo, Islonias, and Northstar, we are demonstrating to the aviation industry that wasted biogas is an abundant, under-utilised resource that can reshape global SAF production."

Technological Approach

The core of the project is Syzygy's electrified Greenhouse Gas (GHG) e-Reforming™ technology. This process converts biogas, primarily composed of methane, into synthesis gas, which is then upgraded into SAF. The use of electricity to power the chemical reaction is designed to be more efficient and produce lower emissions than traditional thermal methods like steam methane reforming.

The feedstock for these projects will be biogas derived from sugarcane crop residues. Brazil is one of the world's largest producers of sugarcane and ethanol, generating substantial volumes of agricultural waste. This abundance of feedstock, known as bagasse, presents a significant opportunity to create a circular economy, turning waste from one industry into fuel for another.

Industry Context and Impact

The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to decarbonize, and SAF is widely regarded as the most viable near-to-mid-term solution. SAF is a "drop-in" fuel, meaning it is chemically similar to conventional jet fuel and can be blended and used in existing aircraft and airport infrastructure without requiring modifications. This characteristic is crucial for its rapid and widespread adoption. According to industry analysis, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% compared to its fossil-based counterpart.

The partnership between Syzygy and Geo bio gas&carbon taps into this global trend by creating a scalable production pathway in a key agricultural region. By leveraging Brazil's established sugarcane industry, the project can access a consistent and sustainable supply of feedstock, addressing one of the primary challenges in scaling up SAF production globally. The initiative not only supports the aviation sector's environmental goals but also provides a new revenue stream for Brazil's agricultural sector.

What Comes Next

With the MoU now in place, the two companies will proceed with detailed engineering, site selection, and securing financing for the first commercial-scale facility. The transition from a memorandum of understanding to a final investment decision will be a critical next step. The successful deployment of the initial 100,000-ton-per-year plant will serve as a blueprint for subsequent facilities as the partnership works toward its long-term production target of over 525,000 metric tons.

The project's timeline for commencing production has not been publicly disclosed and will be subject to regulatory approvals and project financing milestones. However, the agreement signals a clear intent to establish Brazil as a major hub for advanced biofuel production for the aviation market.

Why This Matters

This development is significant as it demonstrates a practical, commercial-scale application of converting agricultural waste into SAF. It positions Brazil to become a key player in the global SAF supply chain by leveraging its existing agricultural strengths. For the aviation industry, this partnership provides a tangible pathway to increasing the availability of sustainable fuel, which is essential for meeting ambitious decarbonization targets.

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