Velocys has been selected as the Fischer-Tropsch technology provider for the world’s first electrified biogas-to-SAF plant, dubbed NovaSAF 1. This first-of-its-kind commercial facility in Uruguay will convert dairy waste and biogas into sustainable aviation fuel using only renewable electricity and waste-derived gases. The project is being led by Syzygy Plasmonics, whose novel GHG e-Reforming platform enables low-cost, decentralized fuel production without the need for hydrogen electrolysis or complex gasification.
At the heart of this breakthrough is Syzygy’s light-driven syngas generation process, which produces an ideal 2:1 hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio directly from biogenic methane and carbon dioxide—creating a perfect feedstock for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Velocys’ microFTL reactor system was selected to maximize fuel yield from this tailor-made syngas, further driving down the total cost of SAF production.
“This is what innovation looks like—fast, flexible, and focused on making SAF production affordable,” said Matthew Viergutz, CEO of Velocys. “We’re proud to bring our proven FT platform into a project that’s radically simplifying how sustainable fuels are made.”
The fully modular design of both Syzygy’s and Velocys’ systems allows for rapid deployment and replication across thousands of underutilized biogas sites globally. With a nameplate capacity of 500,000 gallons per year, NovaSAF 1 aims to begin operations in early 2027 following a planned final investment decision in Q4 2025.
“With Velocys, we’re bringing in a complete, modular solution that drives down overall production costs and is ready to scale,” said Trevor Best, CEO of Syzygy Plasmonics. “Uruguay is only the start.”
With broad policy alignment and an architecture built for replication, the NovaSAF 1 project offers a powerful new model for decentralized SAF production that is both economically and environmentally sustainable.
Learn more about Velocys’ SAF project capabilities.
Houston, TX — June 24, 2025 — Velocys, a leader in advanced synthetic fuels technology, today announced the commercial launch of microFTL™, a modular Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology package that simplifies plant design and reduces the cost of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and eFuels. This commercially available license package derisks projects with its unmatched technology readiness level and economically superior SAF production yields.
Combining microchannel FT reactors, a high-activity catalyst engineered at Oxford University, and deep FT process expertise, microFTL is purpose-built for today’s SAF projects: scalable, cost-efficient, and ready to deploy. By increasing yield and lowering both CapEx and OpEx, microFTL helps projects achieve stronger economics and better investor confidence.
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is the critical step that turns syngas from waste, biomass, or captured CO₂ and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons. But conventional FT systems, originally designed for fossil-based megaprojects, are too large, too expensive, and unproven in today’s climate-driven fuel landscape.
“Legacy FT technology drives up cost and complexity at a time when projects need to move faster and prove bankability,” said Matthew Viergutz, CEO at Velocys. “microFTL is different. It’s efficient, modular, and already proven with a variety of feedstocks. We’re giving developers and integrators the tool they need to bring low-carbon fuels to market—at a cost that increases project value.”
microFTL technology has already delivered results in two high-profile demonstrations:
These projects confirm microFTL as the most advanced, highest-TRL FT platform in the renewable fuels market.
Microchannel FT reactors – Compact, modular units with precise temperature control and efficiency
Oxford-engineered catalyst – High activity, long life, and optimized for renewable feedstocks
Integrated FT process package – Complete system from syngas input to FT crude output
Highest fuel yield – Maximizes high-value liquid output per unit of syngas, improving overall project IRR
Lower CapEx and OpEx – Smaller footprint, faster installs, and reduced ongoing costs
Velocys is now seeking fuel upgrading partners, technology integrators, and SAF project collaborators. If you are developing infrastructure to process FT crude into certified SAF or renewable diesel—or integrating FT systems into your next-gen fuels plant—we want to work with you.
About Velocys
Velocys is a global innovator in synthetic fuels technology, delivering scalable, low-carbon solutions to meet rising demand for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. The company’s Fischer-Tropsch SAF and renewable diesel solutions are optimized for modular deployment, fast integration, and economical production across a wide range of feedstocks.
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Lee French
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Velocys