As part of the project, we have achieved a number of key milestones aimed at unlocking the potential of advanced biofuels for the aviation and maritime transport sectors. Thanks to the strong synergy between the consortium partners, the project is demonstrating the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of integrating stabilized and hydrotreated pyrolysis oils into conventional refining processes.
Among the key recent achievements and technical advances:
- Scalability and production: 300 liters of SPO and 200 liters of HPO
Thanks to BTG’s efforts, the project has successfully completed the pilot-scale production of advanced intermediate biofuels: 300 liters of SPO (stabilized pyrolysis oil), obtained through an innovative two-stage selective hydrogenation process at moderate temperatures (200–250°C) and high pressures (~200 bar), using the proprietary nickel-based catalyst called Picula™. This batch will be used primarily for co-processing tests within FCC systems. 200 liters of HPO (hydrotreated pyrolysis oil): produced from SPO through a subsequent deoxygenation and refining step. Fresh samples of HPO (approximately 15 liters of high-quality oil) and SDPO (stabilized and deoxygenated oil) are already scheduled for shipment to the University of Rostock (UROS) for advanced combustion tests in naval injection chambers and single-cylinder engines.
- Validation and blending standards for the marine sector
The work coordinated by UROS in collaboration with VTT analyzed the suitability of HPO as a blending component for marine fuels in accordance with international standards ISO 8217. Accelerated aging tests (conducted at 80°C for 14 days) confirmed the stability of fuel properties (such as viscosity and density) in 30% blends with traditional marine fuels for a full year. Ongoing research activities aim to mitigate the sedimentation phenomena observed in pure blends or when blended with HVO/FAME, ensuring maximum operational compatibility.
- Predictive modeling: extension to Co-FCC
Integration into existing infrastructure is a key priority for REFOLUTION. Under the guidance of SINTEF, the methodology for a simplified kinetic model (“concentrated model”) applied to fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes has been developed and presented. This model describes the mass and energy balance when simultaneously feeding pyrolysis oil (PO) and conventional vacuum gas oil (VGO). This software tool will enable refineries to optimize the yields of high-value commercial fractions (gasoline, diesel, kerosene) while reducing their carbon footprint and operating costs.
- A clear sustainability framework
Finally, VTT defined the project’s environmental sustainability indicator framework, aligning it with the European climate regulatory package (European Climate and Energy Package) and maritime/aviation directives (such as RED, ReFuelEU Aviation, and the FuelEU Maritime criteria). Following in-depth literature reviews and structured interviews with consortium experts, three key indicators were selected to monitor REFOLUTION technologies: greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water consumption, and carbon efficiency. Since REFOLUTION biofuels are derived exclusively from agricultural and forestry residues that do not compete with the food or wood industries, their positive impact on biodiversity and the circular economy is a key pillar of the project.
The complete research can be found in the factsheets here: RESOURCES.