The Biotfuel technology has been selected for the Biotjet project by Elyse Energy and its partners.
The aviation sector, recognized as challenging to decarbonize, faces increasing demand for sustainable solutions. The Refuel EU Aviation regulation mandates a 2% SAF blend in 2025, rising to 70% across EU airports by 2050. Biotjet aligns with the E-Biotfuel concept, utilizing biomass that meets the RED EU criteria for advanced biofuels and green hydrogen qualifying as renewable fuel of non-biological origin. This technology builds on proven processes tested between 2010 and 2021 at a semi-industrial facility by the Bionext consortium, which includes Avril, Axens, CEA, IFP Energies nouvelles, Total Energies, and Thyssenkrupp Uhde.
Thyssenkrupp Uhde’s Prenflo gasification technology, part of its Decarbon Technologies portfolio, supports the sustainable production of biomass-derived products like methanol, hydrogen, and SAF. Evolving from the Koppers-Totzek process, Prenflo offers versatility and reliability across various feedstocks. The collaboration highlights a shared focus on advancing environmentally friendly solutions for industry needs.
Pascal Penicaud, President of Elyse Energy, stated: “After thoroughly examining the available and bankable technologies, we are now more convinced than ever that we have made the right choice for our project with the E-Biotfuel concept and the technology partners involved to provide cost-competitive SAF and naphtha to the market by 2030 and contribute to address climate change.” Nadja Håkansson, CEO of Thyssenkrupp Uhde, added: “We are proud to see how the E-Biotfuel concept – which includes our advanced Prenflo technology – has now turned into a first commercial Biomass-to-SAF application in the European Community. The collaboration with our French partners underscores our commitment to driving the green transformation and delivering sustainable value to our customers and stakeholders.”
Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens, remarked: “Axens, along with our parent company IFP Energies Nouvelles, has invested significant capital in demonstrating technologies at semi-commercial scale and advancing the energy transition, particularly in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) processes. We are thrilled to be part of the Biotjet project, which is strategic for Axens and our longtime partner Thyssenkrupp Uhde. The Biotjet project leverages a breakthrough technology, Biotfuel, underscoring our commitment to innovative solutions in the energy sector.” By 2029, Biotjet aims to play a key role in meeting Europe’s sustainability goals through efficient and scalable production.
