Conversion to biorefineries enables the utilization of existing infrastructure to generate new revenue streams.
Fremont, CA: Feedstock expenditures dominate production expenses. Hydrogenation promises higher feedstock versatility and cheaper production costs than transesterification. Less expensive feedstocks consist of crude palm oil (CPO), palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD), and animal fat high in free fatty acids (FFA). Hydrogenation is at the demonstration stage of development. The study of catalysts for hydrogenation is one of the most crucial development topics. Future generations of biofuels, like oils derived from algae, are in the stage of applied research and development and require substantial development before becoming competitive. Implementing renewable energy or biodiesel is contingent on oil corporations' and refineries' interests. For hydrogenation, there has been reluctance due to the potential technical concerns connected with the degradation of hydrogenation catalysts.
Renewable/biodiesel
Renewable diesel and biodiesel are both transportation fuels that differ in several ways, including the chemical processes used to manufacture them, the technology utilized, and the complications of blending with conventional fuels. They are generated in co-processing facilities or in standalone plants with their own hydrotreating equipment that produce biodiesel that may be combined with regular diesel from oil refineries. Co-processing plants utilize the hydrotreating capabilities of existing conventional oil refineries to produce a blended diesel output. This reduces the hydrogenation plant's capital expenses and also reduces the refinery's production of diesel derived from petroleum.
Biojet
The majority of biorefineries nowadays are focused on producing renewable fuel for road transportation. Despite this, the majority of existing biorefineries and prospective projects have the capability to produce a mixture of SAF and sustainable fuel. As demand for SAF increases, spurred by governmental support and the industry's aim to decarbonize, it is expected that manufacturers will optimize their facilities for increased SAF production.
BioLPG
BioLPG, also known as biopropane and renewable propane, is a byproduct of the manufacturing of renewable diesel (HVO). SHV Energy reports that for every tonne of HVO, 50 kilograms of bioLPG is produced. BioLPG is chemically equivalent to LPG but has a less carbon footprint, making it a drop-in replacement fuel. It is more expensive than regular LPG, although the price difference is not as significant as it can be with other bio-based options.
