Biofuels are considered a promising alternative to today's fossil fuels, as they have the potential to replace fossil fuels within the existing energy supply infrastructure. Biofuels have the high energy density required by, for example, long-distance aviation and shipping, where electrification is challenging.
Biofuels are often categorised by generation, which in turn is primarily defined by the feedstock resources used for fuel production.
Production of first-generation biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, uses cultivated biomass, often food crops. The production technologies for these biofuels are well established. However, first-generation biofuels present several problems, such as direct or indirect competition with food production, low product yield and lower potential for CO2 savings compared with second- and third-generation biofuels.
Second-generation technologies, also called advanced technologies, use lignocellulosic feedstocks in the production process. These processes are more expensive and complex, and are not yet commercially available. Sustainable second-generation biofuels, or advanced biofuels, use residues and waste in addition to biomass that does not compete with food production and is cultivated in an environmentally friendly way.
The EU sustainability criteria regulate which feedstocks may be used to produce advanced biofuels. Advanced biofuels are, and will remain, central to decarbonising heavy-duty transport, such as aviation, maritime transport and long-distance road transport.
Third-generation biofuels are produced from marine biomass, where microalgae and macroalgae are the two most important feedstock resources. Existing conversion routes, similar to those used for first- and second-generation biofuels, can be applied. The challenges associated with third-generation biofuels are high feedstock costs and limited availability of so-called blue biomass feedstock.
E-fuels (often called synthetic or fourth-generation fuels) are produced by combining renewable hydrogen with CO2 from biogenic sources or direct air capture. The fuel can be produced as, among others, methanol, diesel and jet fuel, and used in existing engines and distribution systems. E-fuels are particularly relevant for aviation, shipping and other heavy-duty transport where direct electrification is challenging. The main challenges are high energy demand, production costs and limited access to renewable power and sustainable carbon.
In Norway, aviation and shipping are important modes of transport for both people and goods. Air traffic is expected to grow, which makes it necessary to replace fossil jet fuel with more sustainable alternatives. ReFuelEU Aviation requires the share of sustainable aviation fuel to increase from 2 per cent in 2025 to 70 per cent in 2050, with a separate sub-mandate for synthetic aviation fuel from 2030. FuelEU Maritime sets corresponding requirements for a gradual reduction in the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used on board ships.
We work within the following areas
- Gathering information on biofuels through participation in technical and scientific committees
- Conversion routes for thermochemical biofuels, with a main focus on gasification and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)
- Research to improve process performance in selected process steps in second-, third- and fourth-generation biofuel production technologies, with a main focus on biofuels for aviation and shipping
- Value chain analyses, system integration in complex systems, and integration of new technologies into existing plants
- Techno-economic studies
Methods
Our projects range from feasibility studies to experiments at micro and lab scale. We are specialists in value chain assessments with a strong techno-economic component, and we have experimental test rigs covering most relevant value chains.
Why choose SINTEF?
SINTEF offers an industry-relevant and multidisciplinary approach that integrates experimental work with modelling, supported by a unique laboratory infrastructure designed and equipped for research on biofuel production technologies, as well as in-house models for reactor development and value chain assessments. This approach complements our participation in technical and scientific committees, such as the European Biofuels Technology Platform, the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) and IEA Bioenergy. This enables us to provide our Norwegian and international clients with first-hand strategic information at both national and international level. We collaborate with Norwegian and international industry partners along the entire value chain, from feedstock suppliers to technology providers and end users.