Choren creates Sunfuel by converting biomass such as woodchips into ultra clean synthetic gas and then into synthetic biofuel via the Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis process.
This fuel has been lauded by carmakers such as Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler as it can be used in any diesel engine without modification or loss of performance, while producing far less harmful emissions.
Sunfuel has identical characteristics to synthetic fuels derived from natural gas, but it uses biomass as a base feedstock.
The cooperation between Shell and Choren aims to have a medium-sized biomass-to-liquids plant operational in the near future at Choren’s Freiburg premises in Germany, which will serve as a demonstration plant to enable large-scale commercialisation of the product.
“In the next two to three decades, liquid fuels will continue to dominate the market,” said Shell executive director (downstream) Rob Routs.
“Climate protection measures will mean that the share accounted for by biofuels is set to increase. We want to proactively participate in this shift as part of our commitment to the concept of sustainable mobility and maintain our leadership in formulating advanced fuels.”
