Illustration of a sustainable city powered by biofuels.

Beyond Fossil Fuels: The Rise of Biofuel Innovations

Author's portrait.
Rhea Morgan in Climate & Environment December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the latest advancements in biofuels and their potential to revolutionize energy and transportation."


As the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources, biofuels are emerging as a key solution. Recent advancements in biofuel technology are demonstrating the potential to transform industries, reduce our carbon footprint, and create a more sustainable future.

This article explores several innovative biofuel projects and technologies highlighted in recent research. From the development of pyrolysis oil facilities to the utilization of household waste and steel industry emissions, these initiatives showcase the diverse approaches being taken to produce renewable fuels.

We'll delve into the details of these projects, examining their potential impact on transportation, aviation, and the broader energy landscape. By understanding these advancements, we can gain insights into the future of biofuels and their role in a greener world.

Pioneering Projects in Biofuel Production

Illustration of a sustainable city powered by biofuels.

Several pioneering projects are underway, each with unique approaches to biofuel production:

Pyrolysis Oil Facility: A joint venture between Swedish companies Preem and Setra is exploring the construction of a pyrolysis oil production facility. This facility would convert sawdust, a byproduct of wood manufacturing, into pyrolysis oil, a renewable raw material for biofuel. The pyrolysis oil will be refined at Preem's facility and transformed into biofuel. This project aims to be Europe's first pyrolysis production unit linked to a refinery, marking a significant step towards utilizing waste materials for fuel production.

  • EU-Funded Biofuel Project: A consortium led by Global Bioenergies has received EU funding to demonstrate the production of isobutene-derived gasoline and jet fuel from soft wood. This project brings together 11 partners from eight EU member states and aims to convert low-value soft wood residues into gasoline and jet fuel.
  • Waste-to-Jet Fuel Project: Velocys has received funding to advance a waste-to-sustainable-jet-fuel project in the United Kingdom. This project will use post-recycled waste, otherwise destined for landfills or incineration, as feedstock to produce jet fuel for British Airways.
  • Steel Industry Emissions to Ethanol: LanzaTech, in partnership with China's Shougang Group, has started up a commercial facility that converts industrial emissions from a steel mill into ethanol. The facility ferments waste emissions to produce ethanol, which can be used as a low-carbon fuel or converted into jet fuel and other products.
These projects demonstrate the versatility of biofuel production, utilizing diverse feedstocks and technologies to create renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. They also highlight the importance of collaboration between industries and the role of government funding in supporting innovative biofuel initiatives.

The Future is Biofuels

The biofuel industry is experiencing a surge of innovation, with projects around the world demonstrating the potential to create sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. From utilizing waste materials to capturing industrial emissions, these technologies are transforming the energy landscape and paving the way for a greener future.

As research and development continue, and as governments and industries collaborate to support these initiatives, biofuels are poised to play an increasingly important role in reducing carbon emissions and achieving a more sustainable energy system.

By embracing these advancements and investing in the future of biofuels, we can create a cleaner, more secure, and environmentally responsible energy future for generations to come.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

How does the pyrolysis oil facility being developed by Preem and Setra contribute to biofuel production?

The Preem and Setra joint venture focuses on constructing a pyrolysis oil production facility. This facility converts sawdust, a byproduct of wood manufacturing, into pyrolysis oil. Preem then refines this pyrolysis oil into biofuel. This project is significant as it aims to be Europe's first pyrolysis production unit linked to a refinery, showcasing the potential of using waste materials for fuel production.

2

What is the main goal of the EU-funded biofuel project led by Global Bioenergies, and what resources does it utilize?

The EU-funded biofuel project, led by Global Bioenergies, is focused on demonstrating the production of isobutene-derived gasoline and jet fuel from soft wood. This initiative involves 11 partners from eight EU member states and aims to convert low-value soft wood residues into valuable transportation fuels. The initiative underscores the potential of sustainable aviation fuel.

3

Can you explain the process behind Velocys' waste-to-sustainable-jet-fuel project and its environmental impact?

Velocys is advancing a waste-to-sustainable-jet-fuel project in the United Kingdom. This project utilizes post-recycled waste, otherwise destined for landfills or incineration, as feedstock to produce jet fuel for British Airways. It is a notable example of how waste management can be integrated with biofuel production to reduce both waste and carbon emissions.

4

How does LanzaTech's partnership with Shougang Group convert steel industry emissions into usable fuel, and what are the implications?

LanzaTech, in partnership with China's Shougang Group, operates a commercial facility that converts industrial emissions from a steel mill into ethanol. The facility ferments waste emissions to produce ethanol, which can be used as a low-carbon fuel or converted into jet fuel and other products. This process turns pollution into a valuable resource, demonstrating a circular economy approach to fuel production.

5

What common theme unites the pyrolysis oil facility, the EU biofuel project, the waste-to-jet-fuel project, and the steel emissions to ethanol initiative, and what are the overarching implications for the future of biofuels?

These projects collectively highlight the versatility and potential of biofuel production. They demonstrate how diverse feedstocks, such as sawdust, soft wood residues, post-recycled waste, and industrial emissions, can be utilized to create renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. The success of these ventures depends on industry collaboration and continued government support, making these factors crucial for the further advancement and integration of biofuels into the broader energy landscape.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.