LLP KazMunayGaz-Aero (a subsidiary of JSC NC KazMunayGas) and NextChem signed an MOU at 8th October in Milan on cooperation in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF, Sustainable Aviation Fuel). The MOU was signed in the framework of the international forum “Kazakhstan-Italy” and is aimed at promoting initiatives to transition to new types of energy.
The parties intend to cooperate in the production of environmentally sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon hydrogen through carbon dioxide capture, and to introduce circular solutions into the production economy. With circular solutions, raw materials are reused, recycled and recovered, minimizing waste and environmental impact. NextChem, through its innovative technologies such as NX SAF BIO and NX Circular, as well as its Waste-to-X solutions, NX AdWinHydrogen and NX AdWinMethanol, is able to drive sustainable innovation and turn waste into valuable chemical resources.
Commenting on the event, Alessandro Bernini, CEO of Maire Tecnimont Group, said that Kazakhstan, as one of the world leaders in the energy sector, is a strategic and valuable partner for Italy.
“The combination of Kazakhstan’s resources with our technology and engineering know-how represents a unique opportunity to drive the global transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy. We are committed to walk this path together,” emphasized the head of Maire Tecnimont.
NextChem, a high-tech company within the Italian Maire Tecnimont Group, specializes in the development and implementation of advanced technologies for low-carbon and circular processes. The company actively promotes innovations in hydrogen technologies, carbon capture and the recycling of waste into valuable resources such as chemicals and fuels. NextChem’s history is closely tied to the legacy of the famous Italian scientist Giulio Natta (see more in the KazMunaiGas Knowledge Base). NextChem uses and develops polymerization technologies based on the discoveries of Natta, who received the Nobel Prize for his work in the field of polymers.
Maire Tecnimont is a leading international industrial group with roots in three major Italian industrial companies: Edison (founded in 1883), Montecatini (1888) and Fiat (1889). The Maire Tecnimont story begins with the creation of Fiat Engineering in the 1930s, which later became Fiat Engineering S.p.A., focusing on infrastructure projects. In 1973, Tecnimont was founded, combining the engineering and R&D divisions of Montecatini and Edison. In 2005, Maire Holding acquired Tecnimont, creating the Maire Tecnimont Group.
SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a sustainable aviation fuel, which is an environmentally friendly version of Jet-1 fuel (see details in the KazMunaiGas Knowledge Base). Unlike conventional jet fuel, SAF in its pure form reduces carbon emissions by 80%. SAF and Jet-1 are interchangeable, allowing them to be blended in airport storage tanks with existing fuel. The U.S. plans to switch to 50 percent SAF use by 2050. The European Union at 2 percent starting in 2025, increasing to 5 percent from 2030 and 63 percent in 2050. The UK has announced that it plans to use SAF at 10% of the total jet fuel used by 2030.
