LanzaJet and KMG advance Kazakhstan’s first sustainable aviation fuel project to engineering stage, aiming to meet rising SAF demand by 2030.
LanzaJet, Inc., a global leader in next-generation fuel technologies and sustainable fuel production, has announced an important advancement in its partnership with Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company, KazMunayGas (KMG). The company confirmed that its Chief Executive Officer, Jimmy Samartzis, delivered a keynote address in front of key dignitaries, including Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, and Askhat Khasenov, Chairman and CEO of KMG. The announcement was made during New York Climate Week, marking a symbolic moment as both companies signed a major agreement to progress Kazakhstan’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project. This will also be the first time LanzaJet’s proprietary Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology will be deployed in the Central Asian region.
The collaboration between LanzaJet and KMG has already completed an extensive feasibility study, which assessed the potential for SAF production in the country. Building upon this, both parties have now agreed to move forward into the next crucial stage: the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase. During FEED, detailed technical, engineering, and financial solutions for the proposed facility will be developed. This stage will ensure the plant is optimally designed and economically viable, paving the way for its eventual construction and operation.
Kazakhstan, with its diverse and resource-rich economy, provides fertile ground for a project of this scale. Speaking about the potential impact, Jimmy Samartzis emphasized that Kazakhstan offers opportunities across agriculture, logistics, aviation, and the oil and gas industries, making it a strong hub for innovation in sustainable fuels. He added that the collaboration would not only help reduce aviation emissions but would also stimulate economic growth and enhance regional energy security.
Echoing these sentiments, KMG’s CEO Askhat Khasenov described the SAF initiative as a cornerstone project for the nation’s low-carbon strategy. He highlighted that this cooperation would strengthen bilateral ties, promote the use of advanced technologies, and stimulate the development of Kazakhstan’s biofuels market. Moreover, it is expected to bring lasting benefits such as improved environmental performance within aviation, a stronger transit position for the country, and alignment with international climate goals.
The agreement signifies more than just a technical milestone. It represents Kazakhstan’s strategic push towards becoming a leader in low-carbon energy solutions within Central Asia. As aviation continues to face mounting pressure to decarbonize, projects like this demonstrate tangible progress in addressing both regional and global demand for cleaner fuels.
With immediate work beginning on the FEED phase, the project is positioned to move quickly toward realization. Once operational, it is anticipated to meet the growing demand for SAF within Kazakhstan, which is projected to reach around 70,000 tonnes annually by 2030. This milestone not only underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to sustainability but also cements LanzaJet’s role as a pivotal partner in shaping the future of aviation fuel.
