Advanced Biofuels

A significant step towards decarbonization and increased energy independence

A significant step towards decarbonization and increased energy independence

The BioTfueL® project launches by Avril, CEA, IFPEN, thyssenkrupp Uhde and Total aims to achieve the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (straw, forest waste, dedicated energy crops) into high-quality advanced biofuels, such as renewable diesel, SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and naphtha, via an indirect thermochemical pathway while at the same time ensuring minimum environmental impact. The tests performed in the large-scale demonstration plants under representative conditions have exceeded expectations.

Applying the uhde® entrained-flow gasification process with direct quench (PDQ), various types of fossil feedstocks can be co-processed, allowing possible seasonal variations in biomass availability to be bridged and the commercial viability of the process to be maximized.

The advanced biofuels produced, which are free of sulfur, olefins, oxygenates and aromatics, can either be used as drop-in fuels without the need to modify current infrastructure and vehicles or as blend in all types of diesel or turbojet engines without requiring engine retrofits.

Facts And Figures

Facts And Figures

  • All of the BioTfueL® core technologies have long proven themselves commercially successful, and include entrained flow gasification and Fischer-Tropsch technologies.

  • The BioTfueL® partners include two technology providers who bring extensive experience from their respective backgrounds: thyssenkrupp, who have designed, built and successfully commissioned over 100 gasifiers; and Axens, who have licensed the use of their proprietary Fischer-Tropsch synthesis & upgrading technology (Gasel) in over 3000 industrial units in the oil refining, petrochemicals, natural gas, alternatives & renewables and water treatment sectors.

  • BioTfueL® is set to play a key role in the decarbonization of the transport sector with advanced fuels and products.

  • It is envisaged that commercial-scale BioTfueL® plants will have a capacity of up to 5000 barrels/day of advanced biofuels.

  • The successful operation runs of the demonstration plant in Venette and Dunkirk have supplied valuable data for the design of a variety of feedstocks and plant capacities.