Elyse Energy has chosen thyssenkrupp Uhde’s advanced biofuel technology for its Biomass-to-SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) project, BioTJet, in France. This initiative, in collaboration with Axens, Avril, and IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), aims to produce SAF from end-of-life wood waste and local forestry residues, supplemented with green hydrogen. The BioTJet project is expected to supply SAF by 2029, significantly reducing carbon emissions in air transport, and will also produce e-bio-naphtha for road transportation and bio-based chemical applications.

Innovative technology for sustainable aviation fuel

Axens signed a licensing agreement for BioTfueL® technology in 2024, incorporating thyssenkrupp Uhde’s PRENFLO® gasification technology, Axens’ GASEL® (Fischer-Tropsch and upgrading) technology, and a basic engineering phase completed in November 2024. The project has now entered the detailed engineering phase, setting the foundation for a large-scale SAF production facility.

The aviation industry is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize, and the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates an increasing share of SAF usage, starting with a 2% quota in 2025 and aiming for 70% by 2050. BioTJet aligns with these regulatory targets through its E-BioTfueL concept, which integrates biomass eligible under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and green or low-carbon hydrogen to produce renewable fuels of non-biological origin (e-fuels). The project builds upon technology blocks developed and tested between 2010 and 2021 by the Bionext consortium, which includes Avril, Axens, CEA, IFP Energies nouvelles, Total Energies, and thyssenkrupp Uhde.

Industry leaders endorse the BioTJet project

Pascal Penicaud, President of Elyse Energy, emphasized the importance of selecting the right technologies: “After thoroughly examining the available and bankable technologies, we are now more convinced than ever that we have made the right choice with the E-BioTfueL concept and the technology partners involved. Our goal is to provide cost-competitive SAF and naphtha to the market by 2030 and contribute to addressing climate change.”

Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “We are proud to see the E-BioTfueL concept, including our advanced PRENFLO® technology, materialize into the first commercial Biomass-to-SAF project in Europe. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving the green transformation and delivering sustainable value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens, added: “Axens, along with IFP Energies nouvelles, has made significant investments in developing SAF technologies. The BioTJet project is a strategic initiative that leverages breakthrough BioTfueL® technology, reinforcing our commitment to innovative energy solutions.”