Australia-headed bioprocess technology developer Licella Holdings Ltd (Licella) has announced that it has formed a global upgrading collaboration with Shell Catalysts & Technologies targeting the development of an integrated biomass-to-advanced biofuels commercial solution.
According to a statement, the alliance will unlock a new value chain to produce high yields of biofuels that target the lowest cost of production, by combining Licella’s proprietary “Cat-HTR” technology, an advanced form of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), with Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ upgrading expertise.
This collaboration between Licella and Shell Catalysts & Technologies aims to transform the production cost of advanced biofuels globally, with a focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The companies will work together to develop an integrated biorefinery solution with Licella’s Cat-HTR technology, which converts biomass into renewable biocrude, with Shell Catalysts & Technologies’ hydroprocessing technology.
We are excited to be partnering with Shell Catalysts & Technologies to develop a global commercial biomass-to-biofuels solution. The flexibility and efficiency of our disruptive Cat-HTR platform enables us to target the feedstocks that other technologies can’t access, and positions us to transform the advanced biofuels landscape globally, said Dr Len Humphreys, Executive Chairman of Licella.
Global biocrude upgrading partner
As part of the agreement, Shell Catalyst & Technologies will be a global upgrader for the biocrude produced by Licella’s owned and operated commercial units.
Shell’s technology will upgrade the biocrude into refined, low-carbon fuels, supporting the roll-out of integrated biorefineries, with a focus on SAF.
We’re excited to be working with Licella on this important initiative, which tackles significant challenges in the biomass-to-biofuels pathway, particularly in the conversion of renewable wood and agricultural biomass residues. By combining our expertise in hydroprocessing with Licella’s innovative technology in this field, our collaboration aims to advance the production of sustainable, low-carbon fuels on a commercial scale economically, said Elise H. Nowee, President of Shell Catalysts & Technologies.
Aim for new SAF pathway certification
Ahead of Licella’s planned commercial projects across the world, including in Queensland (QLD), Australia, Shell Catalysts & Technologies will also lead efforts on the certification for this new pathway to SAF.
With the global aviation industry committing to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, there is an increasing need for scalable SAF solutions that can access new pools of sustainable feedstock.
By targeting abundant renewable feedstocks, including vast pools of agricultural wastes and residues, Licella’s Cat-HTR platform is uniquely positioned to deliver the lowest-cost SAF pathway to help meet this growing global demand.
Shell Catalysts & Technologies is the natural partner to spearhead our efforts to bring a new, scalable SAF solution to market. The collaboration will accelerate our efforts to deliver a leading low-cost, low-carbon, global SAF solution, as we rapidly advance exciting opportunities with partners both here in Australia and across the world, ended Alan Nicholl, CEO of Licella.
