Topsoe enters agreement with Steeper Energy to introduce complete waste-to-biofuels solution

Topsoe, a global leader in technologies for reduction of carbon emissions, and Steeper, a pioneer within biomass-conversion technologies, signed a global licensing agreement Jan. 26 for a complete waste-to-fuel solution.

The agreement combines Topsoe’s unique technologies in renewable fuels and hydrogen production as well as decades of experience in engineering to the table, with Steeper’s proprietary Hydrofaction™ technology and industry know-how.

With the agreement, Topsoe will be able to provide a complete waste-to-fuel technology solution and at the same time a one-stop solution for refineries, project developers and industries having access to excess waste biomass such as residues from forestry and agriculture.

The end-products include sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marine biofuel, and renewable diesel from waste biomass.

“We are excited to work with Steeper and to combine our technological capabilities,” said Peter Vang Christensen, senior vice president of clean fuels and chemicals technology with Topsoe. “This will make it easier for refineries and project developers to access the technology they need for advanced biofuels. It will also allow them to access new renewable feedstocks while supporting decarbonization of the transportation sector, not least aviation and shipping.”

Bevan May, the president of Steeper Energy, added, “Steeper recognizes Topsoe as a world leader in developing and implementing renewable refining technologies. Steeper’s Hydrofaction™ process, when combined with Topsoe’s technology, completes the pathway from biomass waste to drop-in liquid fuels and is compatible with existing refining infrastructure. This reduces capital requirements and allows for the accelerated deployment of these solutions. We are excited to combine our efforts with Topsoe and bring our joint solution to the renewable liquid-fuels market.”

Steeper’s Hydrofaction™ has been validated through various stages of continuous pilot and demonstration-scale plant operations over the past 10 years.

With this agreement, the parties are working towards the first commercial-scale deployment of Hydrofaction™ technology.

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) applies supercritical water as a reaction medium for the conversion of biomass directly into a high energy-density renewable biocrude oil. Steeper’s unique process mimics and accelerates nature by subjecting wet biomass to heat and high pressure. The process conditions are carefully chosen to promote reaction pathways that favor high yields of high-quality renewable oil.

With Steeper’s Hydrofaction technology it is possible to convert up to 85 percent of incoming biomass on an energy basis, making it one of the most effective conversion technologies available.

Steeper Energy was founded in 2011 and is backed by TOM Capital. Steeper is headquartered in Denmark and has locations in Canada. TOM Capital is a Canadian-based private-equity firm with investments in numerous industries.