- The project aims to produce 200,000 metric tons of biodiesel and bio-jet fuel annually by 2020.
- The biomass feedstock is torrefied and converted into syngas in a gasifier.
- The demonstration plant construction is expected to be completed by late 2016.
- Gasification and synthesis units are installed in Dunkirk, France.
Location and Partners
The BioTfueL project involves multiple sites and partners. Pre-treatment occurs at the Avril site in Venette, France, while gasification, purification, and synthesis take place at the Total site in Dunkirk, France. Key partners include Axens, CEA, IFP Energies Nouvelles, Avril, ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions, and Total.
Project Goals and Targets
Launched by Total and its partners, the BioTfueL project aims to transform lignocellulosic biomass, such as straw, forest waste, and dedicated energy crops, into biofuel through thermochemical conversion. The goal is to produce 200,000 metric tons of biodiesel and bio-jet fuel annually from one million metric tons of biomass by 2020.
Conversion Process
The innovative process involves torrefying the biomass feedstock and converting it into syngas in a gasifier. After cleaning and conditioning, the syngas is transformed into a hydrocarbon mixture suitable for fuel production. This process can also handle fossil feedstock mixed with biomass to accommodate seasonal variations in resource availability.
Timeline and Development
Following five years of research and development, the project is now advancing to the construction of a demonstration plant, expected to be operational by late 2016. The gasification and synthesis units are being installed in Dunkirk, France.
