Chevron Lummus Global Announces Successful Startup of Euglena Biofuels Project

7/20/2020
Media: Andrea Carruyo, +1 346-773-0872 [email protected]
 
Richmond, CA July 20, 2020 – Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) and Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) are pleased to announce the successful startup of euglena Co., Ltd. (euglena Co.)'s integrated Biofuels ISOCONVERSION unit in Yokohama, Japan. 
 
The 5 BPD, first-of-its-kind demonstration unit, employs the Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology, jointly developed by CLG and ARA, to produce renewable jet fuel and renewable diesel out of an algae oil blend and waste vegetable oil. euglena Co. has successfully started up the demo-unit in 2020, and its renewable diesel products have met all specifications of a Japanese standard of diesel fuel “JIS K2204”. They have started supplying a renewable diesel to local bus services for passenger transportation in Japan. euglena Co. also plans to produce a renewable jet fuel that meets the ASTM D7566 Annex 6 specifications and supply it to commercial flights in Japan.
 
Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology consists of hydrothermal conversion and hydroprocessing operations that convert waste fats, oils, and greases into jet fuel and diesel that are virtually indistinguishable from their petroleum counterparts. This will result in an over 80% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum, once it is commercialized. ReadiJet™ and ReadiDiesel™, produced from the Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology, contain a uniform distribution of all hydrocarbon types observed in petroleum fuels, including aromatic, cycloparaffin, isoparaffin, and normal paraffin compounds, and are able to be directly blended with petroleum fuels.
 
ASTM International has approved the new production pathway for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) called “Catalytic Hydrothermolysis Jet,” or CHJ.  euglena Co. intends to deliver CHJ for commercial flights in the coming years through the use of the Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology.
 
“CLG is proud to be a part of the successful demonstration of the Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology at euglena Co. and looks forward to implementing it at larger scale at several other locations around the world,” said Thad Sauvain, CLG’s Director of Global Sales and Licensing.
 
“We are excited to see euglena Co. take this meaningful step forward in its bold quest to become a leader in the production of low carbon intensity sustainable aviation fuel from algae and waste fats, oils, and greases,” said Chuck Red, ARA’s Vice President of Fuels Development.
 
About Chevron Lummus Global
 
Chevron Lummus Global (CLG), a joint venture between Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Lummus Technology, is a leading process technology licensor for refining hydroprocessing technologies and alternative source fuels, as well as a global leader in catalyst system supply. CLG offers the most complete bottom-of-the-barrel solution for upgrading heavy oil residues. Our research and development experts are continuously seeking advancements in technology and catalysts that will improve operating economics for your next project. For more information, visit www.chevronlummus.com.
 
About Applied Research Associates, Inc
 
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) was founded in 1979, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to offer science and engineering research to solve problems of national importance. ARA delivers leading-edge products and solutions for national defense, energy, homeland security, aerospace, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. With over 1,400 employee-owners at locations in the U.S. and Canada, ARA offers a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil engineering, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, biomedical engineering, environmental technologies, and blast testing and measurement.
 
About euglena, Co., Ltd.
 
In 2005, euglena Co. succeeded in establishing edible outdoor mass culture technology of the micro algae “Euglena” (Japanese name: Midorimushi) for the first time in the world. They develop and sell functional food and cosmetics utilizing euglena, chlorella, etc. produced at Ishigaki Island, and conduct researches toward the production of biofuels. They have been listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange first section since December 2014. The corporate philosophy is “Make People and the Earth Healthy.” https://euglena.jp/