A scientific project has been launched in the North Kazakhstan Region to create a full-cycle production of environmentally friendly aviation fuel. Camelina sativa is being considered as the raw material, with experimental sowings to be carried out at the university's demonstration base.
WHAT THEY INTEND TO PRODUCE AVIATION FUEL FROM
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the project is being implemented by Kozybayev University, the Hong Kong investment company Henderson Land Group and agricultural enterprises of the North Kazakhstan Region.
The production chain is expected to be built on the model of "cultivation - raw material collection - processing - aviation biofuel production". The main energy crop under consideration is Camelina sativa, or false flax.
WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN STARTED
At the first stage, project participants are conducting research and preparing experimental sowings of false flax. At the demonstration base of Kozybayev University, the crop is intended to be grown in an experimental format.
Scientists will study its adaptability to the region's natural and climatic conditions, yield, oil content and other agronomic characteristics. The results should show whether the crop is suitable for industrial cultivation in Kazakhstan.
WHAT THE FULL PRODUCTION CYCLE COULD LOOK LIKE
If the experiment is completed successfully, the parties are considering a phased expansion of sowing areas, the creation of a raw material storage and processing system, as well as the construction of a complex for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The implementation timeline, anticipated investment volume and production capacity of the future enterprise are not specified in the materials provided.
WHY THE UNIVERSITY WAS ALLOCATED 72.5 HECTARES
In parallel, Kozybayev University and the state corporation of China's Henan province, Henan Agricultural Investment Group Co., Ltd, are establishing a Kazakh-Chinese science and technology centre.
The akimat of the North Kazakhstan Region has allocated a land plot of 72.5 hectares to the university. The centre's grounds will include laboratory and greenhouse complexes, a dormitory, a logistics centre and demonstration fields.
This year, four varieties of wheat and 18 varieties of maize have been sown on the university's fields. The centre is intended for joint research, specialist training and testing of agricultural technologies.
WHERE ELSE FALSE FLAX IS USED
False flax is an oilseed crop belonging to the cabbage family. The oil extracted from it is used in the food industry, as well as a technical raw material for producing biodiesel, paints and lubricants.
