During the official visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to France, a significant agreement was signed between JSC NC “KazMunayGaz” (KMG) and the French international company Axens. The partnership, formalized by KMG CEO Askhat Khassenov and Axens CEO Quentin Debuisschert, focuses on exploring the feasibility of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in Kazakhstan using Axens’ advanced technologies.
The collaboration aims to build on the long-standing relationship between KMG and Axens, which has spanned over two decades. The two companies will now turn their attention to the development of SAF production, an essential component of the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to more sustainable fuel sources.
“We are committed to leading SAF production in Kazakhstan, and Axens is excited to support this pioneering initiative,” said Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens. “With our extensive experience in refining modernization and successful SAF projects worldwide, we are well-positioned to integrate these technologies into KMG’s operations and ensure high-performance results. Our goal is to prioritize KMG’s needs and work collaboratively to achieve seamless integration.”
As part of the agreement, Axens’ renewable fuel production technologies will be evaluated within the framework of a planned Feasibility Study (FS) for the “Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production in Kazakhstan” project, which will take place in 2024-2025.
This agreement is a key step in strengthening the energy partnership between Kazakhstan and France, as well as furthering the successful cooperation between KMG and Axens in the energy sector since 1997. The initial feasibility study (pre-FS) for the construction of a SAF production complex in Kazakhstan has already been completed. This study was a joint effort between KMG, its subsidiary LLP “KazMunayGaz – Aero,” and JSC Air Astana, and received financial backing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The next stage of the feasibility study will focus on refining the project’s configuration and determining the associated costs.
The collaboration highlights Kazakhstan’s growing commitment to sustainability and its role in the global transition to greener energy solutions. Through this partnership, KMG and Axens aim to position Kazakhstan as a key player in the SAF market, supporting the aviation industry’s goals of reducing its environmental impact and achieving long-term sustainability.
