Tüpra Advances Biofuel Production from Algae and Yeasts with EU Support
Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş. (Tüpra), the largest oil refiner in Turkey, is embarking on a transformative journey towards sustainable energy with its innovative Sunfusion project. This initiative seeks to harness the power of solar energy to produce biofuels, specifically sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) derived from purified microalgae and oleaginous yeasts. With a significant boost of €3 million from the European Union's Horizon Europe program, Tüpra collaborates with a diverse group of ten partners from Greece, France, Germany, Norway, and Serbia, all working toward a common goal: achieving over 50% efficiency in converting solar energy into biocrude by 2028.
The project is notable for its advanced use of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology, which promises to minimize costs, emissions, and waste associated with biofuel production. By cultivating high lipid, low nitrogen microalgae and yeasts in photobioreactors and open raceway ponds, Tüpra aims to create a sustainable supply chain for high-value fuels. The initiative includes plans for hydrotreatment units capable of refining the biocrude into various sustainable fuels, including aviation kerosene and marine alternatives.
In a significant step towards operationalizing its sustainability goals, Tüpra signed a letter of intent with Turkish Airlines for a SAF supply agreement, with projections indicating carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 87% compared to conventional jet fuel. The company plans to commence SAF production at its Izmir refinery in 2024, leveraging existing infrastructure while also finalizing investment decisions to enhance production capacity to 300,000 tons by year-end.
As part of its broader strategic transformation, Tüpra has already completed 17 projects under Horizon 2020 and continues to push boundaries with seven ongoing projects through Horizon Europe. These initiatives not only include the Sunfusion project but also encompass innovative efforts in carbon capture and hydrogen separation, all aimed at steering the company towards a sustainable refining future. General Manager İbrahim Yelmenoğlu emphasizes the urgency of adopting SAF in response to evolving international and local regulations aimed at decarbonizing the aviation industry, marking Tüpra's emergence as a pioneer in sustainable fuel production in Turkey.
