Kazakhstan’s aviation fuel supplier, KazMunayGas-Aero, has entered a cooperation agreement with Italy’s NextChem to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The partnership was established in early October and marks another step toward advancing green aviation initiatives in the country.
Under the agreement, the partners will explore the feasibility of implementing carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technologies at Kazakh enterprises during SAF and low-carbon hydrogen production, as well as assessing circular solutions. NextChem will also provide Kazakhstan with technologies for producing aviation fuel from waste and hydrogen sourced from natural gas.
This collaboration follows earlier discussions KazMunayGas had with LanzaJet, a U.S.-based technology company that converts industrial and natural gas emissions into sustainable fuel. Additionally, KazMunayGas and Air Astana, Kazakhstan's largest airline, previously conducted a preliminary feasibility study for establishing an SAF production facility, with financial backing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Air Astana’s majority shareholder, the Samruk-Kazyna fund, has set a low-carbon development strategy that aims for a gradual increase in SAF consumption: 5% by 2040, 15% by 2050, and 25% by 2060.
KazMunayGas’s three major refineries are already capable of producing Jet A-1 fuel, which can be blended with SAF in the future, positioning Kazakhstan to take steps toward a more sustainable aviation industry.
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