Colombia is taking a major step toward cleaner skies with the launch of its first feasibility study for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility. The study is being led by bioenergy company BioD and U.S.-based clean energy firm LanzaJet, which has developed technology that turns ethanol into aviation fuel, reports Ethanol Producer Magazine.
The project aims to build the first SAF plant in Colombia, making it one of the earliest initiatives of its kind in Latin America. It reflects what the two companies describe as a “concrete commitment” to the future of sustainable air travel.
After reviewing over 20 different fuel technologies over the past three years, BioD selected LanzaJet’s Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) process. The study will now explore whether the technology can be successfully and sustainably implemented in Colombia.
“This is not just about theory. It’s about building a real solution starting today,” said Carolina Betancourt, head of BioD’s Bioenergy Business Unit and project lead. “Our goal is to produce SAF using materials like agroforestry residues and eligible energy crops. This will help both the environment and the local economy.”
The study aims to lay the groundwork for SAF production to be up and running by 2029. The project also supports Colombia’s national roadmap for SAF, which encourages energy diversification and better integration of rural communities into industrial growth.
“This is an important step for Colombia and for the wider adoption of SAF in Latin America,” said Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet. “We’re excited to partner with BioD and help Colombia build a more sustainable energy future.”
The companies say the project is not only about reducing emissions in aviation, but also about creating jobs and connecting rural areas with new economic opportunities.
