Topsoe chosen as tech partner for Preem’s renewable fuels plant in Sweden
Technology and solutions provider Topsoe announced that it has signed a licensing and engineering agreement with Sweden’s largest fuel company Preem to help produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel in its conversion project at the Lysekil oil refinery.
Preem will use Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ technology in IsoCracker (a unit that breaks down molecules into lighter components) at Lysekil refinery in Sweden. Topsoe’s HydroFlex™, technology converts various fats, oils and greases into drop-in renewable jet and diesel that meet all globally accepted specifications for these fuels.
The technology can be deployed in both grassroots units and revamps for co-processing or fully renewable applications.
Earlier, in November 2023, Preem announced SEK5.5bn (US$527.6m) investment to phase out fossil production from its Lysekil oil refinery in favour of renewable fuels for road and air transport.
Once completed, Preem’s revamped IsoCracker unit will have a capacity of 1.2m cubic meters per year (22,000 barrels per day) for the production of SAF and renewable diesel. The expected start of production is 2027.
The two firms have already partnered to produce renewable fuels, including at Preem’s refinery in Gothenburg.
Topsoe will supports Preem’s long-term target of producing 5m cubic meters of renewable fuels and achieving a climate neutral value chain by 2035. Once the revamped Lysekil refinery starts operating in 2027, Preem will become one of northern Europe’s biggest SAF producers.
“Society needs a significant upscaling of renewable fuels for aviation. We’re excited to take another step on the path to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector and aviation in particular,” said Elena Scaltritti, CCO, Topsoe.
Meanwhile, Peter Abrahamsson, director of sustainable development at Preem, said: “We’re thrilled about the revamp of Lysekil refinery, which is one of the most significant climate investments in Sweden. The demand for SAF is increasing rapidly, and we are already in dialogue with several major airlines.”
