Fuel from biomass - HVC Groep

In November 2006, TNO Apeldoorn conducted a successful trial extracting fuel from biomass.

In the trial a process known as Hydro Thermal Upgrading (HTU®) was used to convert biomass into biocrude, a product resembling crude oil with a much greater energy yield than the original biomass. Biocrude can be used to produce diesel or kerosene. In this form it is a sustainable alternative for conventional fossil diesel.

Milestone
The success of the trial was an important milestone in the development of HTU®, because organic waste was regarded as the most difficult input flow. 

Competitive
HTU® distinguishes itself from other methods of producing sustainable fuel because it is ultimately – with large-scale production and optimized processes – expected to be able to compete with fossil fuels in cost terms, even if oil prices do not rise too steeply.

Residues
Our aim is to produce fuel oil from biomass within just a few years. The biomass can consist of organic residues from the food industry, organic waste, beet pulp, grassy and other crops. The HTU® process is ideally suited to wet residues, as drying is unnecessary.

Next step
We are participating in a joint venture with Total France and Biofuel to develop the HTU® process further. In the next few months the results of a recent trial will be worked out so that we can take a decision on the next step in the programme.