Valmet and Johnson Matthey continue to develop catalytic pyrolysis for production of advanced biofuels
May 6, 2024
Valmet and Johnson Matthey will continue their cooperation in catalytic pyrolysis for transport fuel production. The target is to further develop the unique and tailored combination of the Valmet Pyrolyzer and Valmet’s thermal conversion technology for liquid biofuels and biochemicals, along with the catalyst developed and produced by Johnson Matthey. Pyrolysis with catalytic upgrading can be used to produce biocrude for upgrading in bio- or conventional refineries from wood and agricultural residue.
After having commercialized this fast pyrolysis technology, Valmet’s focus is now on bringing catalytic pyrolysis for transport fuels to market.
“Advanced biofuel demand in Europe is expected to multiply by 2030, and the pace will only accelerate toward 2040. Technology plays a key role in mitigating climate change in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy and Valmet will be a solution provider in this field,” notes Joakim Autio, Solution Development Manager at Valmet.
“Johnson Matthey is pleased to continue to cooperate with Valmet and leverage over two centuries of experience in catalysis to develop new catalysts to upgrade bio feedstocks into valuable products”, said Wayne Armstrong, Head of Commercial Sales at Johnson Matthey.
By joining forces, the two major players in their own fields are able to develop and optimize the catalytic pyrolysis process for biofuel feedstocks. Thorough research has been conducted to validate the process performance and catalyst lifetime, as well as tackle other challenges brought on by biomass and renewable RED III-compatible feedstocks for advanced fuels.
Catalytic pyrolysis is ready for demonstration
Valmet, a leading global provider of biomass conversion technologies, also strives to become a global leader in pyrolysis technologies. In 2023, the company commissioned a large-scale catalytic pyrolysis pilot plant at the Valmet Energy R&D Center in Tampere, Finland to produce high-quality biocrude for refineries and the energy industry.
“Our catalytic pyrolysis technology is now ready for the demonstration phase. Our ambition is that by 2035, one million tons of pyrolysis oil will have been produced with Valmet technology and that pyrolysis-based fuels will make up a 10-15% share of advanced biofuels markets,” Autio continues.
Information about the Valmet Pyrolyzer
The Valmet Pyrolyzer is a thermal conversion technology for liquid biofuels, biochemicals and plastic chemical recycling. It is unique as it combines the advantages of fast pyrolysis with the use of catalysts according to the end product chemical composition needed.
The benefits of fast pyrolysis include scalability, high product quality, high product yield and an optimized energy concept.
Information about Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies. For over 200 years Johnson Matthey has used advanced metals chemistry to tackle the world's biggest challenges.
Many of the world's leading energy, chemicals and automotive companies depend on their technology and expertise to decarbonise, reduce harmful emissions, and improve their sustainability.
And now, as the world faces the challenges of climate change, energy supply and resource scarcity, Johnson Matthey is actively providing new solutions for their customers. Through inspiring science and continued innovation, Johnson Matthey is catalysing the net zero transition for millions of people every day. For more information visit www.matthey.com.
