Denmark-headed Haldor Topsoe A/S, a global leader in catalysts, technology, and services for the chemical and refining industries has announced that it has been selected by a subsidiary of US-based petroleum and fertilizer holding company CVR Energy Inc. that will base a revamp of its Wynnewood refinery in Oklahoma (OK) on Topsoe's HydroFlex technology to produce approximately 100 million (US) gallons (≈ 378.5 million litres) of renewable diesel per year.
According to a statement, Haldor Topsoe will deliver basic engineering, license, proprietary equipment, and catalyst for its HydroFlex technology. Construction work has begun for the US$110 million project, which was given the investment go ahead just before Christmas and is scheduled to be completed in July 2021.
The project will convert an existing hydrocracker for the production of low-carbon renewable diesel from soybean oil, resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to fossil diesel. The renewable diesel is expected to meet the ASTM D975 diesel specification and qualify for programs such as the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CLCFS).
By leveraging assets already in place, particularly the existing hydrocracker unit and underutilized hydrogen plant at our Wynnewood refinery, we believe we can deliver one of the lowest-cost renewable diesel projects in the industry, said Dave Lamp, CEO and President of CVR Energy.
According to Haldor Topsoe, its HydroFlex is the “industry-leading” technology for the production of renewable jet fuel (aka sustainable aviation fuel – SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO).
This commercially proven technology provides refiners with lower CAPEX, lower OPEX, and better carbon intensity (CI) score. Furthermore, it can be deployed in both grassroots units and revamps for co-processing or stand-alone applications.
We are very proud that CVR Energy, Inc. has chosen HydroFlex for this significant revamp project. This proven technology is the preferred choice for refiners leading the industry adaptation of renewable fuels, and it is a privilege to add yet another US project to our portfolio in line with Topsoe’s vision to be recognized as the world leader in carbon emission reduction technologies by 2024, said Henrik Rasmussen, Managing Director of Haldor Topsoe, The Americas.
