BioRefineries Blog

Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Technip Energies announces the award of a contract for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) phase of LanzaTech’s DRAGON Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Project based on LanzaJet Alcohol to Jet (ATJ) Technology, on track to be one of the first commercial SAF facilities in the UK. Press release: " Technip Energies Wins Contract from LanzaTech UK Ltd, for a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Facility ", 12/04/2023. LanzaTech UK’s DRAGON SAF Project has been awarded supplemental funding through The UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuel Fund to help decarbonise aviation fuel in the UK. The flagship facility, to be located in Port Talbot, Wales, will uniquely use feedstock (ethanol) derived from local waste sources, bringing circularity to the project’s green credentials. The development, which is expected to produce 79 KTA (thousand Tonnes per Annum) (ca.100million litres/year) of SAF will deploy LanzaJet’s proprietary ATJ technology. T.EN’s proprieta...

Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Eni, Euglena and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) are jointly studying the possibility of developing and operating a biorefinery in the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC), one of the largest integrated refinery and petrochemical developments in Southeast Asia. Press release: " Eni, Euglena and PETRONAS to explore biorefinery opportunity in Malaysia ", 14/12/2022. The three parties are currently carrying out technical and economic feasibility assessments for the proposed project, with the investment decision expected to be reached by 2023 and the plant targeted to be completed by 2025. To be located adjacent to PETRONAS’ existing integrated refinery and petrochemical facilities, the biorefinery will be able to leverage the company’s integrated value chain as well as existing utilities and facilities in PIC. The complex’s strategic location with easy access to major international shipping lanes will also enhance the planned refinery’s ability to...

Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Alder Fuels has selected BTG Bioliquids to be part of the first Alder Greencrude (AGC) processing facility in the United States Southeast. Press release: " BTG Bioliquids Fast Pyrolysis Technology Chosen by Alder Fuels as Part of Pioneering Southeast Facility ", 31/10/2022. Related posts:  - " Biorefinery platforms – Pyrolysis oil / Biobased oil / Biobased crude ", 04/01/2022. - " Fast pyrolysis plants ", 17/07/2019. - " Pyrocell commences pyrolysis oil production in Sweden ", 27/09/2021. The initial step in the fuel production process is the conversion of sustainable biomass residues into fast pyrolysis bio-oil. As one of the world’s leading fast pyrolysis technology providers, BTG Bioliquids develops production plants through their engineering, procurement, and construction partner, TechnipEnergies. These plants aim to convert non-food, diverse, and sustainable biomass sources into fast pyrolysis bio-oil that can he...

Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. H oneywell has announced a new ethanol-to-jet fuel (ETJ) processing technology that allows producers to convert corn-based, cellulosic, or sugar-based ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel. Press release: " Honeywell Revolutionizes Ethanol-To-Jet Fuel Technology to Meet Rising Demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel ", 10/10/2022. Related posts: " Alcohol-To-Fuel ", 02/07/2018. Figure 1. UOP’s ethanol to jet (ETJ) process technology Demand for SAF continues to grow, yet the aviation industry is challenged by limited supplies of traditional SAF feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats and waste oils. Ethanol offers producers a widely available, economically viable feedstock. Honeywell's ready now technology uses high-performance catalysts and heat management capabilities to maximize production efficiency, resulting in a cost-effective, lower carbon intensity aviation fuel. Depending on the type of ethanol feedstock used, jet fuel ...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. ADM and Gevo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low carbon-footprint hydrocarbon fuels. Press release: “ ADM, Gevo Sign MoU to Produce up to 500M Gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel ”, 25/10/2021. Related posts: - “ Alcohol-To-Fuel ”, 02/07/2018. - “ Gevo and Axens join forces for the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel projects in USA ”, 13/10/2021. Figure 1. ADM and Gevo join forces to produce sustainable aviation fuel The MoU contemplates the production of both ethanol and isobutanol that would then be transformed into renewable low carbon-footprint hydrocarbons, including SAF , using Gevo’s processing technology and capabilities. About 900 million gallons of ethanol produced at ADM’s mills (Columbus, Cedar Rapids and Decatur) are expected to be transformed into approximately 500 million gallons of SAF and other renewable hydrocarbons. T...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Gevo and Axens have entered into an agreement that establishes a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating the commercialization of sustainable ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) projects in the United States. Press release: “ Gevo and Axens Ink Alliance for Ethanol-to-Jet Technology and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Commercial Project Development ”, 12/10/2021. Related posts: “ Gevo intends to build a renewable fuels production plant in Lake Preston ”, 07/01/2021. Figure 1. Gevo and Axens join forces for Sustainable Aviation Fuel project development in USA As part of the alliance, Axens brings: technologies with over 60 related patents; engineering packages; proprietary catalysts; and certain proprietary equipment required to convert ethanol into jet fuel. Axens would also provide process guarantees for commercial ETJ projects. Gevo expects to develop, own and operate ETJ plants to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), utilizing: its expertise ...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell) has announced a final investment decision to build a biofuels facility with a capacity of 820 ktons/year at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam (the Netherlands) formerly known as the Pernis refinery. Once built, the facility will be among the biggest in Europe to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel made from waste. Press release: “ Shell to build one of Europe’s biggest biofuels facilities ”, 16/09/2021. Figure 1. Pernis refinery Advanced production methods will be used to make the fuels. The facility is expected to use technology to capture carbon emissions from the manufacturing process and store them in an empty gas field beneath the North Sea through the Porthos project. A final investment decision for Porthos is expected next year. A facility of this size could produce enough renewable diesel to avoid 2.8 Mtons of carbon dioxide emissions a year. The Rotterd...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Toyo Engineering Corporation together with JERA Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Power, Ltd., and ITOCHU Corporation have launched a study to establish a commercial-scale production technology of SAF (Sustainable Avianton Fuel) and create a supply chain of SAF in Japan integrating technologies of gasification and FT synthesis. Press release Toyo: “ TOYO to participate in a joint study for the establishment of a commercial-scale SAF production technology and the creation of a supply chain ”, 31/08/2021. Press release Velocys: “ Velocys collaboration with Toyo advances to commercial stage ”, 31/08/2021. Related post: “ Velocys secures order for a biojet fuel demo plant in Japan ”, 24/09/2019. Figure 1. Toyo to participate in a study for the establishment of a commercial-scale SAF biorefinery in Japan The entire project period is about 4 years (2021-2024). The consortium will study how to materialize SAF production business and evaluate its bu...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Gevo has announced that production operations at its advanced, renewable fuels production facility located in Luverne (Minnesota, USA) have re-commenced. Press release: “ Gevo's Luverne Facility Re-Starts Production Operations ”, 04/08/2021. Related post: “ Gevo intends to build a renewable fuels production plant in Lake Preston ”, 03/09/2018. Figure 1. Gevo biorefinery in Luverne The Luverne Facility is expected to produce fuel-grade, renewable isobutanol (“IBA”). The IBA produced will be used as a feedstock for Gevo to produce sustainable aviation fuel ( Alcohol-To-Fuel ) and premium gasoline ( Renewable gasoline ) to fulfill existing sales contracts. These renewable hydrocarbons will be produced in Silsbee (Texas, USA) at the South Hampton Resources, Inc. hydrocarbon production facility. Gevo also expects to utilize some of the IBA produced to develop certain IBA specialty markets. Moreover, the production operations at the L...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Eight projects have been shortlisted to receive a share of the Green Fuels, Green Skies (GFGS) competition funding for the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production plants in the UK. “ Green Fuels, Green Skies (GFGS) competition website ”. This competition was launched on 16 March 2021 by the Department for Transport (DfT) to support the development of the emerging UK sector on its pathway to production of SAF at scale. GFGS will provide up to 15 M£ in grant funding to UK SAF projects during the 2021/22 financial year. Specifically, it will look to support the early-stage development (FEED, Pre-FEED and Feasibility Study stages) of UK SAF plants. All selected projects have a clear potential to produce SAF capable of reducing emissions by more than 70% on a lifecycle basis, when used in place of a conventional fossil jet fuel. Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd (ABSL) will work with a Briti...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Partners repurpose the Rotterdam waste-to-chemicals project to waste-to-jet based on: substantial targets and demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); expected support for Recycled Carbon Fuels; and a full scope, ‘in-house’ technical solution to be provided by Enerkem and Shell. Press release: “ From Waste-to-Chemicals to Waste-to-Jet ”, 08/06/2021. Related posts: - “ Air Liquide, AkzoNobel, AVR, Enerkem and Van Gansewinkel to build waste-to-chemicals plant in Rotterdam ”, 10/10/2016. - “ Air Liquide, AkzoNobel, Enerkem and the Port of Rotterdam sign agreement to cover the initial investment of the Rotterdam waste-to-chemistry project ”, 16/02/2018. Figure 1. Partners repurpose Rotterdam waste-to-chemicals project to waste-to-jet (extracted from the press release) With favourable support under Renewable Transport fuels regulations expected, the production of SAF from low-grade, post-recycling mixed waste has become an option, t...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS. NextChem has been awarded a contract by TotalEnergies to carry out a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and supply its technological know-how to implement a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plant in Grandpuits (France), capable of processing 400 ktons per year. Press release: “ Maire Tecnimont Group’s Nextchem awarded by TotalEnergies an engineering contract for a Biojet plant in France ”, 03/06/2021. Related posts: - “ Total to transform its Grandpuits refinery into a platform for advanced biofuels and bioplastics production ”, 01/10/2020. - “ Total starts production of sustainable aviation fuel in France ”, 12/04/2021. The project is part of the plan to convert the Grandpuits Refinery into a zero-crude platform (“Projet Galaxie”), where NextChem is already engineering Europe’s first plant to produce compostable and biodegradable plastics, with a capacity of 100 ktons/year. The plant, due to be operational in 2024, will produce biojet by trea...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Neste will modify its existing renewables production capacity in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) to enable production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Currently, the facility produces mainly Neste MY Renewable Diesel. Press release: “ Neste to enable production of up to 500,000 tons/a of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at its Rotterdam renewable products refinery ”, 22/04/2021. Related posts: - “ Neste holds foundation stone ceremony to officially mark the beginning of the extension of its biorefinery in Singapore ”, 21/07/2020. - “ Neste selects Rotterdam for its next renewable products refinery ”, 16/03/2021. Figure 1. Neste´s Rotterdam Biorefinery The modifications to the biorefinery, an investment of approximately 190 M€, will enable Neste to optionally produce up to 500 ktons/year of SAF as part of the existing capacity. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023. Together with the ongoing Singapore biorefinery ex...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS. LanzaJet partners with Zeton and Burns & McDonnell to build its Alcohol-to-Jet biorefinery with start-up by end of 2022. Press release: “ LanzaJet awards engineering, procurement, and construction contracts to Zeton and Burns & McDonnell ”, 24/03/2021. Related posts: - “ ANA, LanzaTech, Mitsui and Suncor launch LanzaJet, a new company that will produce sustainable aviation fuel ”, 03/06/2020. - “ LanzaTech selects TechnipFMC’s Hummingbird® technology for its sustainable aviation fuel biorefinery ”, 23/07/2020. - “ FLITE project – Pre-commercial SAF production plant in Europe based on LanzaJet ATJ technology ”, 08/01/2021. Figure 1. LanzaJet awards EPC contracts to Zeton and Burns & McDonnell to build its Alcohol-to-Jet biorefinery LanzaJet has announced that it has awarded a fixed-price engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to Zeton for the fabrication and construction of the first Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) fac...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Total has begun producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its La Mède biorefinery in southern France and its Oudalle facility near Le Havre. The biojet fuel, made from used cooking oil, will be delivered to French airports starting in April 2021. Press release: “ Total Begins Producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel in France ”, 08/04/2021. Related posts: - “ Total ready to start-up its HVO biorefinery in La Mède ”, 05/06/2019. - “ Total is considering the conversion of its oil refinery in Grandpuits into an HVO biorefinery ”, 26/06/2020. Figure 1. Total starts production of sustainable aviation fuel in France Total will also be able to produce SAF as from 2024 at its zero-crude Grandpuits platform, southeast of Paris. All of these sustainable aviation fuels will be made from animal fat, used cooking oil and other waste and residue sourced from the circular economy. Total will not use vegetable oils as feedstock. Total will be in a pos...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. Gevo and HCS Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and build a renewable hydrocarbon facility at HCS Group’s site located in Speyer (Germany) which would utilize Gevo’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology. With the construction of a production plant based on Gevo’s alcohol-to-jet technology (ATJ), HCS Group will be the first commercial producer in Germany to enter the SAF market. Press release: “ Gevo and HCS Group Sign Strategic Agreement to Produce Renewable Low-Carbon Chemicals and Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Europe ”, 24/02/2021. Related posts: - “ HCS Group and Gevo sign agreement for the purchase and sale of renewable isooctane ”, 01/03/2019. - “ Alcohol-To-Fuel ”, 02/07/2018. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL Figure 1. Gevo and HCS Group plan to build a Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant in Germany The MoU anticipates a first project that is estimated to produce approximately 60 ktons per year (22 mi...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF. The FLITE consortium, led by SkyNRG and with LanzaTech as the technology provider, will build the first-of-its-kind LanzaJet Alcohol-To-Jet (ATJ) facility in Europe. This pre-commercial production plant will pave the way to implementing ATJ sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production across Europe and around the globe. The project is a major milestone on the path to a net-zero emission for the aviation industry.  Press release: “ Building Europe’s first of its kind Alcohol-to-Jet production plant ”, 07/01/2021.  Related posts:  - “ ANA, LanzaTech, Mitsui and Suncor launch LanzaJet, a new company that will produce sustainable aviation fuel ”, 03/06/2020.  - “ LanzaTech selects TechnipFMC’s Hummingbird® technology for its sustainable aviation fuel biorefinery ”, 23/07/2020.  Know more about Alcohol-To-Jet .  Figure 1. FLITE project – Pre-commercial SAF production plant in Europe based on LanzaJet Alcohol-to-Je...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.  Gevo has announced that it has reserved the right to purchase approximately 239 acres of land near Lake Preston (South Dakota, USA), meeting the initial milestone to secure control of a site for one of its expansion projects.  Press releases: “ Gevo Options Site for Expansion Project ”, 21/12/2020; “ Koch Project Solutions to Execute Gevo Expansion Projects ”, 04/01/2021.  Related posts:  - “ Gevo and Lufthansa sign agreement for commercial supply of renewable Alcohol-To-Jet Fuel ”, 8/9/2016.  - “ HCS Group and Gevo sign agreement for the purchase and sale of renewable isooctane ”, 1/3/2019.  - “ Air TOTAL and Gevo enter into agreement on producing and supplying sustainable aviation fuel ”, 17/8/2019.  - “ Gevo signs sustainable aviation fuel sales agreement with Scandinavian Airline System ”, 19/11/2019.  Gevo pursues a licensing and developer strategy that is expected to enable the construc...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.  Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF) has announced that it is in final funding discussions to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project, which will produce and supply more than 60 million gallons annually for Delta Air Lines .  Press release: “ Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels In Final Talks with Top-tier Investors for SAF Project ”, 11/11/2020.  Related post: “ Delta invests in the feasibility study of a facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel from forest floor debris ”, 02/10/2019.  Figure 1. NWABF is in final funding discussions for its SAF project  In 2019, Delta Air Lines invested 2 M$ to collaborate with NWABF to study the financial feasibility of an advanced biofuel production facility . Earlier this year, NWABF also announced the selection of Black & Veatch as EPC contractor.  NWABF has assembled a world-class team of technology compani...

Versión en Español Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.  The US Department of Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) has just published a report describing potential pathways to produce sustainable fuels suitable for use by the commercial aviation sector. Cost-competitive sustainable alternative jet fuels are needed to decouple carbon growth from market growth.  Report: “ Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Review of Technical Pathways Report ”, September 2020.  Figure 1. Cover of the report  Part I of this report provides an overview of commercial jet aviation fuel: how it compares to fuels for cars and trucks, its composition, its specification, and its certification process. Part II highlights insights resulting from a study of the aviation fuel industry, challenges of and successes with the approved pathways, and BETO capabilities and R&D portfolio. The insights focus on reducing cost and optimizing the value proposition for sustainable aviation fuel.