Technology
Kazakhstan lands first SAF plant in major aviation decarbonization push
KBR’s PureSAF is a feed-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver high SAF yields and supports the project across the full lifecycle
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By ICN Bureau | August 25, 2026
Kazakhstan has awarded a contract to KBR for the country’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production plant, marking a major step toward building a lower-carbon aviation industry and strengthening its position as an international aviation hub.
KBR said that KazMunayGas-Aero LLP (KMG-Aero), a subsidiary of NC KazMunayGas JSC, and KazFoodProducts (KFP), gave it the contract to develop the landmark SAF facility.
Under the agreement, KBR will license its proprietary PureSAF technology, invented and developed by Swedish Biofuels AB, and provide proprietary engineering design for the project. The plant will use an alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process to convert alcohol-based feedstocks into aviation fuel.
The project carries strategic significance for Kazakhstan, supporting the President’s directive to transform the country into an international aviation hub with greater transit potential. It will also connect the country’s agricultural sector to emerging low-carbon fuel markets by using domestically produced feedstocks to manufacture higher-value sustainable aviation fuel.
“We are honored to support KMG-Aero and KFP in advancing the national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recognizing the pivotal role of aviation decarbonization in achieving these strategic objectives,” said Jay Ibrahim, President, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feed-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver high SAF yields and supports the project across the full lifecycle. We look forward to closely collaborating and supporting the successful execution of this landmark SAF project.”
The award adds to a growing pipeline of PureSAF projects and strengthens KBR’s position in the global push to decarbonize aviation through process innovation and the deployment of low-carbon technologies.
