Alberta Biojet Initiative (ABI): Upgrading of University of Alberta's LTH technology to Biojet

Lead Proponent

The University of Alberta

Project Objectives

This study, which is a collaboration between Profs Bressler (PI and technology inventor), Luckert, Qiu, and Koch of the University of Alberta aims to simultaneously develop two pathways to generate biojet from a range of lipid feedstocks, including waste materials from the restaurant and rendering industries.

The first approach will focus on modifying standardized isomeration approaches currently utilized for the creation of jet fuel from hydrocarbons and other renewable fuels. The second will focus on the optimization and deployment of a novel patented process developed by the Bressler lab.

This dual approach will be greatly strengthened through partnership with CanmetENERGY, which will allow benchmarking and reduced risk to the project outcomes. Through close collaboration with FORGE Hydrocarbons, who is currently demonstrating the Lipid-to-Hydrocarbon (LTH) process at the 30 million liter scale, it is anticipated that any developed technologies will be directly incorporated into existing or subsequent commercial facilities.

Expected Results

The LTH technology has been calculated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to traditional distillate and naptha fuels.  These benefits would extend to biojet production, especially if the alkene addition pathway is seen to be effective at reaching cloud points required for biojet fuel.