Project developer selects Topsoe technology for Panama renewable diesel, SAF units

Topsoe announced Oct. 31 that SGP BioEnergy has chosen Topsoe technology to support the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Colon, Panama, and renewable diesel in Balboa, Panama, and to allow the facilities to operate with net-zero emissions by adding green hydrogen from the refining process.

The combined biorefining units are being designed to produce 180,000 barrels (nearly 7.6 million gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel per day—or 2.6 billion gallons per year, according to Topsoe—and 405,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually.

Topsoe will provide its innovative HydroFlex™ technology to produce SAF and renewable diesel while also deploying its H2bridge™ technology to ensure the plant has a net-zero greenhouse-gas footprint, recycling green hydrogen generated by waste carbon and production byproduct back into the plant’s operations.

“This is truly an amazing project, and we are proud to work with SGP BioEnergy to bring it to life,” said Henrik Rasmussen, Topsoe’s managing director for the Americas. “We are excited to support the production of low-carbon fuels with our proven technologies for what will be the largest renewable fuels plant in South America, while also facilitating the net-zero operations of the biorefinery. It is a true model for a low-carbon energy future.”

Construction is on schedule for first production by 2025, according to Topsoe.

With HydroFlex™, customers can convert low-value feedstocks into drop-in renewable jet and diesel that meets all of the globally accepted specifications for these fuels.

The innovative HydroFlex™ process layout offers lower capital expenditure (capex), but also a lower energy consumption during operation, resulting in a lower carbon index (CI).

Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ can be deployed in both grassroots units and revamps for coprocessing or standalone applications.

The H2bridge™ technology captures waste propane and carbon off gas from the refining process, converts it into green hydrogen to be included in powering facility operations.

SGP BioEnergy first announced its project in Panama, and its intention to select Topsoe as its technology partner, in May.