Having initiated the initial phase of biofuel production, SOCAR Türkiye will employ an innovative and distinct technology to manufacture jet fuel from microalgae

SOCAR Türkiye is launching a pioneering project in the biofuel market and starting the production of jet fuel from microalgae in seawater.

SOCAR Türkiye, Türkiye's leading integrated industrial conglomerate, is set to lead the way in the biofuel market by introducing a groundbreaking technology that produces jet fuel from aquatic plants. Engineered by SOCAR Türkiye's Research, Development, and Innovation division, this innovative solution will transform microalgae capable of flourishing in seawater into biofuel.

SOCAR Türkiye's Research, Development, and Innovation division and Technip Energies (T.EN) are collaborating to expedite the advancement of algae in the biofuel sector. Within the framework of this partnership, SOCAR Türkiye's R&D and Innovation unit, in conjunction with their project collaborator Technip Energies, is striving to attain an annual production goal of approximately 40,000 tons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), guided by the analyses that have been carried out.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies are combining their expertise. Within the established collaborative environment, SOCAR Türkiye's R&D and Innovation division is allocating resources to the research and advancement of Plate Catalytic Membrane Reactor (PCMR) technology. On the other hand, T.EN contributes with its process and engineering expertise. The aim of the collaborative partnership agreement is to develop and optimize the PCMR technology for the direct conversion of hydrocarbons that can be subjected to final processing from microalgae into fuel production.

One of the significant candidates that can replace fossil fuels on the path to sustainable energy, biofuels enhance efficiency by reducing high operational costs and contribute to sustainability. In line with this, SOCAR Türkiye R&D and Innovation is developing a pioneering technology that directly and continuously converts the biomass of microalgae in seawater into biofuels and biochemicals at low temperatures and pressures, without the need for harvesting and dewatering. This technology offers a low operational cost.

This research covers scientific and technological advancements that adhere to the principles of the 'Green Deal', with the objective of diminishing the industrial carbon footprint, advancing environmental cleanliness, and beneficially affecting the financial outlays associated with industrial investments. By utilizing renewable, non-toxic, and affordable materials in the developed catalysts, contributions are made to sustainability, and local alternative pathways are being created to support global actions aimed at reducing emissions through the provision of scientific and technological infrastructure.

As part of SOCAR Türkiye's sustainability strategy, the implemented project will result in a patented and licensed process for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).