Honeywell unveils new technology to make high quality biofuels from biomass

The USA based clean energy technology conglomerate Honeywell has introduced the breakthrough “Biocrude Upgrading process technology” that converts agricultural and forestry waste into ready-to-use renewable fuels for hard-to- abate sectors, such as the maritime industry.

The newly developed technology produces lower-carbon marine fuel, gasoline and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from inexpensive and abundant biomass sources including wood chips and crop residues.

For ship operators, these ready-to-use or “drop-in” fuels provide a cost-effective and lower-carbon alternative to traditional heavy fuel oil. With higher energy density than many current biofuel alternatives, Honeywell says that this renewable marine fuel can extend a vessel’s range without requiring costly engine upgrades.

“Honeywell continues to drive innovation in the areas that our customers need most,” said Ken West, president of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions. “The maritime industry has a real need for renewable fuels that are immediately available and cost effective. Our Biocrude Upgrading processing technology can be delivered in modular form, offering savings from the point of installation through to refining and use.”

Biocrude Upgrading process technology

Plant and agricultural waste can be converted into lower carbon biocrude at the feedstock collection sites, which keeps transport costs low. Honeywell’s new process technology enables biocrude to then be refined at major facilities to produce marine fuel, gasoline or SAF. This helps solve long-standing challenges with converting biocrudes into fuels with performance comparable to conventional fuel.

Biocrude Upgrading process technology can be delivered in the form of a prefabricated modular plant. As a result, Honeywell can help customers reduce risk and accelerate project timelines by simplifying site construction activity.

Today, the shipping companies seek to reduce their carbon footprints due to customer demands and regulatory drivers. The maritime sector roughly contributes 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Honeywell at the front

For more than a decade, Honeywell has provided process technologies for renewable and alternative fuels using various feedstocks. The company already has a strong renewable fuels portfolio, which includes EcofiningTM, Ethanol to Jet technology, Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Unicracking technology and UOP eFining that converts green hydrogen and carbon dioxide into e-fuels.