Advanced Bio-based refinery Intermediates for Transport fuels.
Description
The ABATE project, coordinated by CERTH in Greece, deploys an advanced bio-based technology matrix to transform residual lignocellulosic biomass into refinery intermediates. At its core, the process combines fast pyrolysis to convert agricultural waste into crude bio-oil with catalytic hydroprocessing and green hydrogen to chemically stabilize the oil for existing petroleum refineries. To maximize carbon efficiency, the system integrates biological Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) to biochemically convert process CO₂ into green biomethanation streams, scaling this sustainable loop to Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) for aviation and marine fuel production.
Sector
A1.5Mixed farming
Needs/ Problem statement
The aviation and maritime sectors urgently need to de-fossilize but remain bound to liquid fuels due to high energy-density requirements [4616EF55.en.aspx]. While first-generation biofuels threaten food security, second-generation crude bio-oils from agricultural residues are highly unstable and incompatible with existing petroleum refineries. To bridge this gap, the industry requires advanced technologies capable of stabilizing crude bio-oils via catalytic hydroprocessing and green hydrogen for direct refinery integration. Additionally, biological Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) systems are needed to convert process CO₂ emissions into green fuels. The ABATE project directly solves these issues by validating this integrated bio-refining pathway at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6).
Objective
The primary objective of the ABATE project is to validate and demonstrate an integrated bio-refining pathway at TRL 6 to produce sustainable aviation and marine fuels. Specifically, the project aims to optimize carbon-negative fast pyrolysis and single-stage catalytic hydroprocessing to transform residual lignocellulosic biomass into stable, drop-in refinery bio-intermediates. Additionally, it seeks to integrate biological Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies to convert biogenic process CO₂ emissions into green biomethanation streams. By doing so, ABATE intends to deliver bio-based transport fuels that achieve a 90% to 120% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Bioeconomy fields
Crop residues and perennial plantsx
Designer crops for optimised biomass contentnull
Algae biomassnull
Waste or recycled materialx
Microbial assisted processingnull
Biorefineries null
Feedstock
Biomass residues
Outcomes and final product
The ABATE project transforms residual biomass into drop-in biological refinery intermediates to replace fossil fuels in the aviation and marine sectors. By combining fast pyrolysis with catalytic hydroprocessing and green hydrogen, it produces high-energy-density sustainable fuels that achieve a 90% to 120% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the final outcomes include circular co-products like green biomethanation streams via biological Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), alongside solid agronomic biochar. Ultimately, the project delivers a validated, industrial-scale blueprint at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) for major energy corporations to adopt second-generation bio-refining.
Mobility
null
Value chains
1
2
3
2 - Medium potential - Significant availability of feedstocks available by 2035.
C Sink
1
2
3
2 - Medium potential - strong potential for carbon sequestration at the feedstock or product level only.
Intended user
The primary intended users of the ABATE project\'s outcomes are major petroleum oil refineries, multinational energy corporations, and commercial fuel blenders looking to integrate second-generation bio-intermediates into their existing supply chains. Secondary final users include the aviation and maritime transport industries (airlines and shipping companies) seeking certified drop-in fuels with a 90%-120% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, agricultural and forestry logistics providers will utilize the project\'s models to supply the required lignocellulosic waste streams.
Complexity of the process
1
2
3
4 - very complex application (conditions)
Final user
Farmernull
Foresternull
Researchernull
Advisornull
NGOnull
Training organizationnull
Processor or retailernull
Consumernull
Public Authority + LAGnull
Othery
Economic sustainability
1
2
3
2 - Medium potential - Expected to bring 2 or 1 economic benefits.
Social sustainability
1
2
3
1 - Low potential - doesn\'t bring any social benefits.
Environmental sustainability
1
2
3
2 - Medium potential - Expected to bring 2 or 1 environmental benefits.
