Elyse Energy and its partners (Axens, Avril, IFPEN) have selected BioTfueL® technology for the BioTJet project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from end-of-life wood waste and local forestry residues, with the addition of green hydrogen. By 2029, BioTJet aims to supply SAF to reduce carbon intensity in air transport, alongside e-bio-naphtha for road transport and bio-sourced chemistry.
In 2024, Axens signed a license agreement for BioTfueL® technology, which integrates PRENFLO® gasification technology from thyssenkrupp Uhde and GASEL® technology from Axens (Fischer-Tropsch and Upgrading). Basic engineering was completed in November 2024, and the project has now entered the detailed engineering phase.
Advancing Decarbonization in Aviation
The aviation industry is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize. The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates a 2% SAF quota by 2025, increasing to 70% by 2050. The BioTJet project is based on the E-BioTfueL concept, which integrates biomass eligible for advanced biofuels (as per RED EU definitions) with green or low-carbon hydrogen, qualifying as a renewable fuel of non-biological origin (e-fuel).
This technology builds on proven processes developed and tested at a semi-industrial scale between 2010 and 2021 by the Bionext consortium, which includes Avril, Axens, CEA, IFP Energies Nouvelles, TotalEnergies, and thyssenkrupp Uhde.
thyssenkrupp Uhde’s PRENFLO® Gasification Technology
As part of thyssenkrupp’s Decarbon Technologies portfolio, PRENFLO® gasification plays a crucial role in producing biomass-based synthetic products such as methanol, hydrogen, and SAF. Originally derived from the Koppers-Totzek process, PRENFLO® has evolved to handle a wide range of feedstocks with high efficiency and flexibility.
Pascal Penicaud, President of Elyse Energy, stated:
“After thoroughly examining the available and bankable technologies, we are now more convinced than ever that the E-BioTfueL concept and our technology partners will enable us to provide cost-competitive SAF and naphtha by 2030, contributing to global climate goals.”
Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, added:
“We are proud that the E-BioTfueL concept, including our advanced PRENFLO® technology, has become the foundation for the first commercial Biomass-to-SAF application in the European Union. Our collaboration with French partners highlights our dedication to driving the green transition.”
Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens, emphasized:
“Axens, in collaboration with IFP Energies Nouvelles, has heavily invested in demonstrating SAF technologies at a semi-commercial scale. We are excited to be part of the BioTJet project, which is strategic for both Axens and our longtime partner, thyssenkrupp Uhde. The project underscores our commitment to breakthrough energy solutions.”
Pioneering Sustainable Gasification Technology
With over 100 gasifiers implemented globally, thyssenkrupp Uhde is a leader in gasification technology. PRENFLO® was first demonstrated in the late 1980s and has been deployed in large-scale projects, including the world’s largest single-train, solid feedstock-based IGCC power plant in Puertollano, Spain. The technology has since evolved to process 100% biomass feedstocks such as waste wood, wood chips, straw, forest residues, and agricultural waste.
The BioTJet project reinforces thyssenkrupp Uhde’s commitment to clean energy innovation and advancing the global transition to sustainable fuels.