Axens has acquired stakes in the BioTJet project, the aim of which is to build and operate the largest European Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit using the Fischer-Tropsch process, relying on the BioTfueL® technology. This unit will be built in France and will be started up by 2027.
BioTfueL® is an advanced biofuel production technology using the thermochemical route, developed and proven within the framework of the eponymous project from 2010 to 2021. The BioTfueL® process, includes Gasel®, a technology suite licensed by Axens, used to produce high quality renewable fuels by the Fischer-Tropsch process.
Within the framework of the BioTJet project, Axens is surrounded by its partners, Elyse Energy, Avril, IFP Energies nouvelles through its investment subsidiary IFP Investissements, and Bionext, and is thus part of the European energy transition strategy in line with the ambitious objectives of decarbonization of the aviation sector.
Axens is supporting the development of the BioTJet project above and beyond the conventional role of licensor, equipment, catalyst and adsorbent supplier, by becoming a shareholder and partner of the BioTJet project company. Axens’ equity investment in an industrial scale project marks a key milestone for the commercial development of BioTfueL®.
The BioTJet project will make it possible to process a broad spectrum of lignocellulosic biomasses, which do not compete with food uses, in a chain combining torrefaction, gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, for the production of SAF and by-products such as sustainable naphtha.
The BioTJet project has received support from the ADEME (The French Agency for Ecological Transition) as part of the France 2030’s 4th Investments for the Future Program, through the Call for Proposals for the “Development of a French Sustainable Aviation Fuel production sector”. A final investment decision is expected end 2024 for a start up by 2027.
The transition to a low carbon world requires immediate, large-scale action, while meeting the constraints of the sectors the most difficult to decarbonize, such as industry and heavy mobility. The BioTJet project provides an immediate response to decarbonization challenges in the aviation sector as it can replace fossil fuels without having to significantly modify existing infrastructures and engine systems. – Pascal Pénicaud, co-founder and CEO of Elyse Energy.
I see our participation in the BioTJet project as a long-term commitment to our partners. Our investment in this large-scale French industrial project shows Axens’ strong commitment to the industrial development of technologies essential to the energy transition. – Jean Sentenac, Axens CEO.
About Elyse Energy
Located in Lyon, Marseilles and Madrid, Elyse Energy produces e-fuel through the development and operation of green hydrogen and e-fuel (e-methanol and SAF) plants. Set up in 2020, Elyse Energy intends to provide tangible solutions and neutral fuels for the aviation and maritime sectors, but also intermediates for industry and the petrochemical industry. Elyse Energy relies on a team of experts in hydrogen technologies and carbon valorization, specialists in the funding and development of large-scale energy projects, all working on the transition towards an energy which respects nature and the climate.
About Bionext
Bionext was founded in 2010 by the six partners of the BioTfueL® project. Bionext coordinated the project and managed the expertise brought by its six partners and stakeholders. In particular, Bionext managed the construction and operation of the two demonstration units, one dedicated to biomass preprocessing by torrefaction (Venette) and the other dedicated to the gasification and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis steps (Dunkerque) which helped validate and optimize the BioTfueL® technology marketed by Axens.
About IFP Energies nouvelles
IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) is a major player in research and training in the areas of energy, transport and the environment. Its work is based on four strategic priorities, the climate, environment and circular economy; renewable energies; sustainable mobility and responsible oil and gas.
About Avril
Founded in 1983 as an initiative of the agricultural world to ensure sustainable outlets for French production, Avril is the main industrial and financial player in the vegetable oil and protein sector. It is built upon two complementary businesses: On the one hand, as an industry organized around plant processing, and on the other hand as an investment business, managed by its subsidiary Sofiprotéol.
About Axens
Axens group provides a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics, all natural gas treatment and conversion options along with water treatment and carbon capture. The offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility study to unit start-up and follow-up throughout the entire unit life cycle. This unique position ensures the highest level of performance with a reduced environmental footprint. Axens global offer is based on highly trained human resources, modern production facilities and an extended global network for industrial, technical supports & commercial services. Axens is an IFP Group company.
Press contact: press@axens.net
Source
Axens, press release, 2023-04-12.
Supplier
ADEME
Axens Technologies (IFP)
BioneXt Lab
Elyse Energy
Group Avril (Sofiproteol)
IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN)
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