Expander Energy selects Axens for Fischer-Tropsch liquid-upgrading technology

Biofuels technology company Axens announced Aug. 31 that it has been selected by Expander Energy Inc., a Canada-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel project developer, to provide its advanced Fischer-Tropsch liquid-upgrading technology.

Axens’ technology will support the production of drop-in, second-generation biofuels from cellulosic feedstock through Expander’s patented enhanced biomass to liquids (EBTL®) and biomass electrolysis to liquids (BETL®) processes.

The technology is expected to be deployed first at Expander’s two commercial developments in Canada:

• Wheatland Bio-Synfuels Facility near Calgary, Alberta.

• Mackenzie Biomass Derived E-Fuels Facility in northern British Columbia.

Both projects are progressing through key regulatory and financing milestones with final-investment decision (FID) targeted for December.

Beyond the initial project awards, Expander Energy has also selected Axens as its strategic upgrading-technology provider for a broader portfolio of SAF and Arctic renewable diesel developments.

Axens said the collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing commercially viable pathways for lower-carbon drop-in fuels.

“Axens is honored to have been selected by Expander Energy as the licensor and supply partner for the FT liquids upgrader for the Wheatland and Mackenzie biomass-to-fuels projects,” said Axens Americas CEO Tina Craft. “As Canada and markets around the world accelerate the adoption of second-generation fuels, Axens is ready to support this growth by leveraging its extensive hydro-upgrading portfolio and proven expertise in advanced fuels production.”

Gord Crawford, the president and CEO of Expander Energy, added, “Expander is pleased to work with Axens to ensure that the final-stage processing of its Bio-SynDiesel® and Bio-SynJet® fuels reliably meets the rigorous technical specifications required by the industrial transport and aviation industries. Our team has worked with Axens over the years and values its proven expertise, collaborative approach and commitment to delivering high-quality process solutions that support the production of advanced low-carbon fuels.”