The reduction of GHG emissions according to the Paris Agreement is particularly challenging regarding the production of “green” liquid fuels with a high energy density for the aviation sector (biokerosene). In this context, the BIOCTANE project aims to develop and optimize an innovative process for the conversion of organic waste materials naturally characterized by a high-water content (e.g. food-waste, organic material from the food processing industry) into carbon-neutral market-ready drop-in jet-fuels. In particular, BIOCTANE project will develop a proof of concept on the synergetic coupling of biotechnological and thermocatalytic processing routes by a disruptive and interdisciplinary strategy that will result in an efficient valorisation of the organic wastes into renewable jet-fuel, maximizing the recovery of chemical energy, nutrients and carbon use. First, the complex organic waste will be converted into platform molecules (acetoin and 2,3-butanediol) by creating a breakthrough link between biotechnological processing of biowaste and hydrothermal gasification technology. Subsequently, a novel one-pot chemical process will be developed by the combination of different catalytic steps through which the platform molecules are converted to jet-fuel range hydrocarbons. Based on an extensive process flow modelling, the process efficiency and the techno-economic requirements for full market integration as well as the environmental impact will be assessed. Therefore, BIOCTANE will establish a novel pathway involving hybrid processes and multifunctional catalysts, contributing to implement sustainable, secure and competitive renewable energy technologies in Europe, boosting the use of advanced biofuels and with a direct impact on strategic areas like aviation transport.
Partners: IMDEA Energy Institute (IME) (ES) (Coordinator); Technische Universität Hamburg (TUHH) (DE); Institut National de la Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INREA) (FR); Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) (CH) (Associated Partner); Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) (ES); Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany e.V. (Aireg)(DE)
Funding Institution/Program: The project received EU funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the Grant Nº 101084336. The CINEA receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
Project Website: www.bioctane.eu
Call: HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-03
Type of action: HORIZON RIA
Period: November 2022-October 2026
IMDEA Energy Institute external funding: 594,273.75 €
Total EU contribution: 2,951,957.50 €
Principal Investigator: Dr. Patricia Pizarro de Oro
