Low Carbon Bio + Synthetic Fuels

The single-step conversion of straight run, second generation bio-crudes into refinery-ready feeds

THE PROBLEM

According to industry reports, the global biofuels market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8.3%, reaching $243.4 billion US in 2033, driven by fuels produced from ethanol, soybean oil, and canola oil. However, as the world population grows, prioritizing food security will limit land available for fuel production. Fortunately, advancements in the creation of bio-based crude oils from non-food crop sources, such as agricultural, forestry, and municipal waste from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and pyrolysis, are ongoing. Unfortunately, bio-oils produced from these methods have high water and oxygen, making integration into conventional refining processes challenging. This is problematic as common refinery catalysts are neither water nor oxygen tolerant, rapidly losing their ability to drive needed chemical reactions when either is present.

THE SOLUTION

Validating a novel catalyst to convert agriculture and forestry-based oils into low carbon fuels. 

NanosTech’s innovative Olympia catalyst is designed and constructed to thrive in high water and oxygen environments. This first-of-its-kind technology enables the growth of bio-crudes from non-food competitive sources and is an exceptional option for converting agriculture and forestry-based oils into refinery-ready intermediates. 

To demonstrate its commercial viability, NanosTech has acquired a mobile pilot unit capable of processing over 10 barrels per day. This unit will validate Olympia’s performance in real-world conditions, bridging the gap between laboratory success (TRL 6) and operational deployment (TRL 7 & 8). CICE funding will support initial unit operations, which will generate the data needed to quickly scale toward a first commercial application. 

PROJECT STATUS
Active
PROJECT CATEGORY
Low Carbon Bio + Synthetic Fuels
FUNDING RECIPIENT
NanosTech Environmental Inc.
CICE FUNDING AMOUNT
$500,000
PROJECT VALUE
$3,388,030
  • "We’re not going to meet the projected 2033 biofuels demands if industry doesn’t embrace technology that addresses the significant challenges. NanosTech’s catalyst technology addresses this gap by enabling sustainable fuel production from non-food sources. CICE's support accelerates our mission to provide the technology that industry needs to meet growing demand while also reducing emissions."
    Myles McGovern, CEO of NanosTech DISCOVER NANOSTECH