Trends and Technology Needs for Biobased Fuels and Chemicals
The HIGFLY Final Conference, held at Eindhoven University of Technology on September 20th, 2024, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the advancements and prospects in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuel technologies. The event showcased the outcomes of the HIGFLY project, which focused on creating high-quality aviation fuels derived from sustainable biomass feedstocks through innovative catalytic processes.
The overarching theme of the event emphasised the importance of novel biorefinery technologies to enable the large-scale production of biofuels and SAF. Key discussions revolved around cutting-edge approaches to creating bio-based chemical building blocks, as well as the production of SAF in a sustainable, cost-effective manner.
Several esteemed speakers highlighted the different dimensions of biofuel research. Professor Andree Faaij, Director of Science at TNO Energy Transition, delivered a presentation on the large-scale production of biofuels in Europe, discussing the potential for ramping up these technologies and the challenges related to industrial scalability and policy frameworks. His insights focused on how European energy systems can transition toward more sustainable sources while maintaining economic viability.
Dr. Fernanda Neira D'Angelo, Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology and coordinator of the HIGFLY project, provided an in-depth presentation on the goals, achievements, and innovations of HIGFLY. She discussed how the catalytic processes developed under the project demonstrated how biorefineries can integrate various feedstocks, ensuring flexibility and scalability while minimising environmental impact. This, in turn, promotes a circular economy model by transforming waste into valuable resources.
A significant part of the conference was dedicated to SAF market deployment. The presentation by Dusita de Hoop from SkyNRG covered topics such as regulatory challenges, market adoption, and infrastructure development required for widespread SAF use. It was stressed that although technical breakthroughs have been made, the road to mainstream adoption of SAF requires concerted effort from both industry and policymakers. Current EU regulatory frameworks were analysed, with speakers underlining the importance of aligning national policies with broader decarbonisation targets to ensure SAF's market penetration.
Biorefinery technologies played a central role in the conversation, with speakers discussing the novel catalytic processes employed in the HIGFLY project. These processes aim to maximise efficiency while minimising environmental impact, producing fuels that meet stringent standards. The discussions also covered the potential of producing not only SAF but also valuable bio-based chemical building blocks, which could revolutionise other industries and enhance the overall sustainability of biorefineries.
The HIGFLY Final Conference also featured discussions that explored the intersection between research, industry, and policy. Experts debated the future of SAF and biofuels in general, outlining the steps needed to ensure that the advancements in SAF technology translate into real-world impact. They acknowledged the need for continued investment in research and development, as well as the importance of fostering collaboration across sectors.
The HIGFLY Final Conference emphasised the significant strides made in SAF research and the growing momentum towards cleaner aviation. By bringing together leading researchers and industry representatives, the event underscored the collaborative effort required to overcome the challenges facing SAF deployment. As the aviation industry seeks to decarbonise, the insights and innovations presented at this conference will be vital in driving the transition towards more sustainable and cost-efficient technologies.
