FLEXBY

About the project

Advancing Sustainable Biofuels with Innovative, Cost-Efficient Solutions

FLEXBY aims to develop advanced biofuels through an innovative and cost-efficient process. The project focuses on converting biogenic waste, including microalgae cultivated in domestic wastewater and industrial waste sludge, into sustainable biofuels. Using microwave pyrolysis, the residual biomass is processed into three fractions: bioliquid, pyro-gas, and bio-char. The bioliquid fraction is further refined into jet, diesel, and marine biofuels through a hydrogen-free hydrodeoxygenation process, while the gaseous fraction undergoes steam reforming and CO oxidation to produce bio-hydrogen. These biofuels are tested in fuel cells for electricity generation and evaluated for heavy transport applications. FLEXBY promotes a circular economy by recycling all biomass residues and by-products, contributing to the sustainable expansion of biofuel use in the heavy transport sector.

Background

Biomass-derived liquid transportation fuels are seen as a key solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and many countries are supporting their development through policy incentives. However, most current biofuels are derived from food-related sources, raising concerns about their impact on food production. Additionally, sustainable biofuel production methods that minimize carbon waste and reduce biogenic effluent gas emissions remain in the early stages of development. FLEXBY addresses these challenges by utilizing non-food biomass sources and integrating innovative technologies such as microwave-assisted pyrolysis and hydrogen-free hydrodeoxygenation. By focusing on waste-based feedstocks and improving process efficiency, the project seeks to advance the role of biofuels in the global energy transition.