Syzygy Plasmonics, a U.S.-based technology company, announced on Mar. 9 that it has chosen Uruguay as the site for the world’s first commercial facility to convert electrified biogas into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The project, named NovaSAF-1, will be located in Durazno and is expected to begin production in 2028.
The selection of Uruguay for this $60 million investment highlights the country’s growing role in clean energy development and its appeal to international investors seeking stable environments for advanced technology projects. The new plant will have an annual capacity of 350,000 gallons of SAF, all of which has already been committed for export through a six-year agreement with Trafigura, a major global energy trading company.
Suzanne Foti, Vice President of Public Affairs at Syzygy Plasmonics, said Uruguay was selected after a comprehensive evaluation process due to its combination of nearly 100 percent renewable electricity, available biogas from agricultural operations, and a transparent regulatory environment. “Uruguay distinguished itself through a competitive and well-aligned set of national strengths identified during a comprehensive site-selection process,” Foti said. “The country’s nearly 100 percent renewable electricity grid, the availability of biogas from established agricultural operations, and a stable, transparent regulatory environment together created a strong platform for advanced sustainable fuel production.”
NovaSAF-1 will be developed alongside Estancias del Lago’s facilities and will use manure waste-derived biogas combined with renewable electricity from Uruguay’s grid. This process is expected to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 90%. The resulting fuel can be blended directly with conventional jet fuel without requiring modifications to aircraft or infrastructure.
The plant will feature light-activated chemical reactors developed by Syzygy Plasmonics—technology that has received international precertification for renewable fuels of non-biological origin. NovaSAF-1 marks the first commercial-scale deployment of this innovation. Foti also credited Estancias del Lago for providing site access and operational integration: “The collaboration with Estancias del Lago provided a high-confidence pathway. They provided site access, feedstock supply, and operational integration, while also generously supporting our entry into the Uruguayan market and the Durazno community.”
Institutional support played an important role in advancing the project. Foti highlighted Uruguay XXI’s contribution: “Uruguay XXI has played an important role in supporting our integration into the local business community and facilitating engagement with government officials, helping us to localize and advance the project successfully.” She added that Uruguay offers advantages such as well-connected networks and technical expertise that enable rapid project development.
Looking ahead, Syzygy Plasmonics sees potential for further expansion in Uruguay due to its robust agricultural sector and abundant renewable electricity resources. Foti concluded by emphasizing both technical factors and human qualities: “The warmth, kindness, and collaborative spirit of the people we’ve worked with have made Uruguay an exceptionally welcoming environment for investment and innovation.”
With NovaSAF-1 underway, Uruguay continues to position itself as an attractive destination for strategic investments in clean energy technologies.
