Denmark-headed Haldor Topsoe A/S, a global leader in high-performance catalysts and proprietary technologies for the chemical and refining industries, has announced that it has been selected to supply its HydroFlex technology by Global Clean Energy Holdings Inc. (GCEH) for a refinery repurposing project in California (CA).
In May 2020, Global Clean Energy Holding (GCEH) acquired the Alon Bakersfield Refinery via its wholly-owned special purpose vehicle Bakersfield Renewable Fuels (BKRF), from Delek US Holdings Inc. Located in Bakersfield, California (CA), GCEH is repurposing the petroleum refinery into a biorefinery.
Following the revamp, estimated to take up to 20 months to complete, no petroleum will be processed. Instead, the facility will have a capacity to produce 15 000 barrels per day (bpd) of renewable diesel that meets the California Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) as well as the ASTM D975 diesel specs.
Compared to conventional fossil diesel fuels, renewable diesel will result in significant reductions of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to a lower carbon index (CI).
Haldor Topsoe will deliver basic engineering, license, proprietary equipment, and the catalyst for its HydroFlex technology. The value of the order has not been disclosed.
We are thrilled to announce this exciting project for the production of environmentally friendly renewable diesel from our proprietary camelina oil as well as a traditional slate of biofuel feedstocks. The project will generate both direct and indirect job opportunities in the region and will contribute to a growing diversified domestic energy mix. For this important project, we have chosen Topsoe’s HydroFlex solution, an industry-proven, safe, and efficient technology, commented Richard Palmer, CEO of Global Clean Energy Holdings.
Multiple feedstocks
The HydroFlex unit will process a variety of feedstocks including GCE’s proprietary camelina oil as well as used cooking oil (UCO), waste fats, oils, and grease (FOG). Sustainable Oils Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of GCEH has developed proprietary camelina, a fast-growing, low input, dryland farm, wheat rotation non-food oilseed crop.
According to Haldor Topsoe, its HydroFlex technology is “the industry-leading” technology for the production of renewable jet and diesel fuels. This commercially proven technology provides refiners with lower CAPEX, lower OPEX, and better CI score.
Furthermore, it can be deployed in both grassroots units and revamps for co-processing or stand-alone applications.
We are honoured that Global Clean Energy has trusted Topsoe with supplying licensed technology for this large renewable fuel unit. HydroFlex 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, said Henrik Rasmussen, Vice President of Haldor Topsoe.
