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    renewable fuels road

    Renewable fuels

    What if you could add full feedstock flexibility to your refinery? 
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    Our tried-and-tested technologies for renewable fuels production are based on decades of experience and science.

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    1/3 of the current renewable diesel and SAF operating capacity is based on Topsoe technology.

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    HydroFlex™ technology was developed in 2004, continuously updated and kept state-of-the-art ever since.

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    Operating experience since 2010.

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    Full feedstock and end-product flexibility.

    trucks driving on diesel in winter

    Decarbonizing transportation with renewable fuels

    Products like renewable diesel (including HVO-100 diesel) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)  offer more sustainable solutions than conventional, fossil fuels and have the potential to help decarbonize heavy-duty transportation and aviation.

    The demand for renewable fuels is only expected to go one way as the adoption of these fuels for the decarbonization of transport continues to be supported by legislation around the world. 

    With this scale-up of renewable fuels underway, we’ll need proven technologies for their production. Luckily, these already exist.

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    HydroFlex™ – the technology to future-proof your plant

    At Topsoe, we have developed a hydrotreating technology that will bring your existing or new plant closer to the net-zero future: HydroFlex™. 

    We began developing and refining the HydroFlex technology in 2004 in anticipation of the increased demand for renewable fuels. Today, HydroFlex is a tried and tested technology, and you will find over 20 HydroFlex units all over the world operating alongside conventional units.

    With HydroFlex technology, you can turn nearly any renewable feedstock into on-spec renewable fuel, including renewable diesel (like HVO-100 diesel), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable naphtha, and renewable gasoline. This can be achieved using a wide variety of feedstocks, such as biocrude from waste and biomass, tall oil, used cooking oil, animal fats and oilseeds, and with significantly reduced emissions.

    Dive into HydroFlex


    Topsoe pathway overview

    An example...

    When using HydroFlex technology for sustainable aviation fuel production, it can be designed to achieve a carbon footprint1 that corresponds to between one-fifth and one-eighth of that generated by conventional aviation fuel production2.

    topsoe office

    Partner with Topsoe to future-proof your refinery

    Take advantage of the new opportunities to extend your market share and expand your business. With over 85 years of technical expertise, we have the in-depth chemical processing experience needed to deliver an end-to-end solution for our customers. 

    renewable feedstock

    Full feedstock flexibility

    The setup and requirements for hydroprocessing renewable feedstocks differ from the processes used for refining fossil feedstocks. On top of this, the range of renewable feedstocks is wide, and they can pose different challenges. This makes unit design crucial, as well as selecting and loading the right catalysts and internals for the job. In short: feedstock flexibility is key to success. 

    With the HydroFlex technology you gain complete flexibility in choosing the feedstock and designing the unit to achieve optimal performance. This helps future-proof your business against challenges related to varying feedstock issues, such as supply and price fluctuations.

    Lower your carbon footprint with H2bridge™

    There is one crucial aspect to consider when processing renewable feedstocks: they require extra hydrogen compared to non-renewable feedstocks due to the presence of oxygen and unsaturated compounds. This increased hydrogen consumption can lead to a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) during the hydrotreating process. 

    With the H2bridge™ technology, you can generate hydrogen directly in the process and produce renewable fuels in a self-sustaining solution. This results in low carbon intensity fuels. This is achieved by replacing external fossil feedstocks with renewable LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or naphtha generated in HydroFlex to produce hydrogen.

    The H2bridge technology fully integrates with HydroFlex technology which means you will benefit from a seamless feed-in to product-out process. This significantly lowers both greenhouse gas emissions and production costs. Depending on the plant’s requirements, it is possible to become self-sufficient and eliminate the consumption of natural gas.

    Learn more about H2Bridge

    A simple first step?

    Choose co-processing for your renewable fuels production

    By replacing even low amounts of fossil feedstock with renewable feedstock in your diesel hydrotreater, your refinery can produce renewable fuel – and take the first step towards becoming a biorefinery.

    Explore co-processing options

    Dive deeper into renewable fuels

    Naphtha from renewable feedstocks

    Make the most of the renewable naphtha you have from your fuel production process. Bionaphtha can be used as a fuel and feedstock source or used to make plastic. 

    Highlights

    Montana renewables saf production
    Customer case

    HydroFlex in action

    Montana Renewables is leading North America’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry, using our HydroFlex™ technology to produce 30 million gallons per year—with plans to scale up to 300 MGY.
    Get full details
    Fuel for thought podcast
    Podcast

    The Fuel for Thought Podcast

    The world’s first podcast about renewable fuels. Together with a series of key industry players, experts, we look into some of the most pressing topics about renewable fuels, covering the whole value chain of renewable fuel production, including feedstock supply, conversion technology, legislation, sustainable aviation fuel and much more.
    Get full details
    Hydroflex brochure
    Brochure

    From ambition to action?

    One compiled overview of our solutions for renewable fuels production. Explore details on our hydrotreating unit HydroFlex™, which as an option can be complemented by the hydrogen unit H2bridge™. Together these technologies allow you to future-proof your refinery and produce renewable fuels with almost zero emissions – from a wide variety of feedstock.
    Get full details

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    Contact us

    Do you have a question about our products or solutions? Or do you want to know how our technologies can support your business? Contact our experts today.

    Contact us

    References

    ¹ The carbon intensity is based on a third party verified LCA study of Hydroflex technology. ² Assuming conventional aviation fuel emission factor of 94 g CO2 eq/MJ.