Australian tech firm Licella partners with Shell for low-cost SAF

Australian advanced biofuels technologies developer Licella announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Shell Catalysts & Technologies to develop a global, low-carbon, biomass-to-biofuels commercial solution.

Len Humphreys, Executive Chairman of Licella, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are excited to be working with Shell to develop a global commercial biomass-to-biofuels solution. The flexibility and efficiency of our Cat-HTR™ platform enables us to target the feedstocks that other technologies can’t access, positioning us to transform the advanced biofuels landscape globally.”

The collaboration will combine Licella’s Cat-HTR™ technology, an advanced hydrothermal liquefaction process, with Shell’s upgrading expertise to produce high yields of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at a competitive cost.

The companies will work together to develop an integrated biorefinery solution, converting biomass into renewable biocrude using Licella’s Cat-HTR™ technology and then upgrading the biocrude into refined, low-carbon fuels using Shell’s hydro processing technology.

Shell Catalysts & Technologies will also serve as a global upgrader for the biocrude produced by Licella’s commercial units, supporting the rollout of integrated biorefineries focused on SAF production.

Ahead of Licella’s planned commercial projects, Shell will lead efforts on the certification for this new pathway to SAF.

Elise H. Nowee, President of Shell Catalysts & Technologies, stated: “We’re excited to be working with Licella on this important initiative, which tackles significant challenges in the biomass-to-biofuels pathway. By combining our expertise in hydro processing with Licella’s innovative technology, our collaboration aims to advance the production of sustainable, low-carbon fuels on a commercial scale economically.”