| Project Detail |
Licella will complete Pre–Front End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) and FEED studies to assess the viability of establishing a biorefinery facility utilising its patented Cat-HTR™ (Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor) hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to convert sugar mill residues to low carbon liquid fuels (LCLF), including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Need To achieve aviation’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050, SAF is projected to represent 90% of all jet fuel (~200 times scale-up in 2024 global supply). Licella’s project will address some of the key challenges to scaling SAF production – cost and feedstock. Current SAF pathways, such as HEFA and 1st generation Alcohol to Jet (ATJ), are limited in their ability to scale due to the availability and increasing cost of feedstocks (e.g. used cooking oil, tallow, sugar). Future-proof feedstocks are those that combine high supply with high potential for emission reductions under CORSIA. Licella’s next generation HTL technology can unlock future-proof feedstocks for SAF that are abundant, low carbon and low cost – notably biomass residues from agriculture. The platform’s feedstock flexibility also helps to mitigate project risk. Licella’s Cat-HTR™ platform is Australian developed technology at the core of multiple facilities commissioning globally in 2025. Licella, as the technology developer, is uniquely positioned to develop this project in Australia. The bio-intermediate created through Licella’s HTL process is energy dense, retaining a high portion of feedstock carbon. Licella have partnered with Shell for the secondary conversion step, commonly referred to as ‘upgrading’. The technology’s efficiency and modular process design also help Licella target the lowest cost of SAF production. |
