KBR has been awarded a contract to support the development of Kazakhstan’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant, marking a step towards establishing domestic SAF production in the country, Biomass Magazine reported.
The contract was awarded by KazMunayGas-Aero LLP, a subsidiary of NC KazMunayGas JSC, and KazFoodProducts, KBR said on August 24.
Under the agreement, KBR will license its PureSAF technology, developed by Sweden-based Swedish Biofuels AB, and provide proprietary engineering design for the project.
The plant will use the alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process, which converts alcohol-based feedstocks into aviation fuel. The project is also expected to create a pathway for using agricultural feedstocks produced in Kazakhstan to manufacture higher-value, lower-carbon fuels.
The SAF facility has strategic significance for Kazakhstan as the country seeks to strengthen its position as an international aviation hub and expand its transit potential.
“We are honoured to support KMG-Aero and KFP in advancing the national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recognising the pivotal role of aviation decarbonisation in achieving these strategic objectives,” said Jay Ibrahim, president of KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions.
He said KBR’s PureSAF technology is designed to work with a range of feedstocks and deliver high SAF yields, while supporting projects throughout their development and operational lifecycle.
The contract adds to KBR’s recent PureSAF project awards and strengthens its position in the development of technologies aimed at reducing emissions from the aviation sector.
The Kazakhstan project could also help integrate the country’s agricultural sector with emerging low-carbon fuel markets by converting domestically available feedstocks into SAF.
