FROM WASTE TO FLIGHT: The Energy Equation Positioning Bolivia for the Global SAF Market

Dorianne Erazo of Syzygy Plasmonics stated at the CAEE 2026 platform that Bolivia could replicate models similar to Uruguay's by using residues from the sugar and ethanol industry to produce biogas and, subsequently, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

EDITION 155 | 2026

Abner Flores

As part of the 2026 Annual Energy Dinner (CAEE), held on June 11 at the Marriott Hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Dorianne Erazo, Senior Vice President of Operations at Syzygy Plasmonics, presented a strategic vision of innovation in the energy industry focused on the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from agricultural biogas. Speaking from Houston, Texas, the executive showcased a case study based on Uruguay and outlined concrete opportunities for Bolivia, particularly through the use of vinasse generated by the sugar and ethanol industry.

During her presentation, Erazo explained that the technology developed by her company converts biogas—produced from agricultural waste—into SAF through a photocatalytic process that uses light instead of combustion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared with conventional aviation fuels. The technology also offers significant investment advantages, with capital expenditures (CAPEX) between 30% and 50% lower than comparable technologies, as well as a modular design that enables projects to be scaled according to feedstock availability.

BOLIVIA, VINASSE, AND ITS POTENTIAL

Regarding Bolivia, Erazo highlighted the country's significant availability of vinasse, describing it as a strategic opportunity within a global SAF market expected to face supply shortages by 2030.

“There is currently no SAF production, creating a first-mover opportunity in the region,” she said, noting that each project could involve investments ranging from US$75 million to US$300 million.

As part of her presentation, she introduced the Nova SAF 1 project in Uruguay, which is currently in the engineering phase, with a final investment decision expected in the near term and commercial operations projected to begin in 2028. The project has already secured 100% of its supply and offtake agreements, including contracts with international buyers, demonstrating the strong global demand for sustainable aviation fuels.

“There is currently no SAF production, creating a first-mover opportunity in the region.”

GROWTH OF THE SAF MARKET

Erazo also discussed the rapid expansion of the SAF market, driven by international regulations such as the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate and emerging policies in countries such as Brazil, which will require progressively higher blending mandates for sustainable aviation fuels. Combined with geopolitical factors and volatility in conventional jet fuel prices, these regulations are accelerating the transition toward more sustainable aviation energy solutions.

Finally, she suggested that Bolivia could replicate initiatives similar to Uruguay's by using waste from the country's sugar and ethanol industry to produce biogas and subsequently convert it into SAF. As a next step, she recommended conducting feasibility studies based on feedstock availability data—a process that could take approximately 90 days—to assess the technical and economic viability of such projects in Bolivia.