Researchers at NREL discuss computational models for bioconversion processes in the Energy Systems Integration Facility in Golden, Colorado. Photo by Joe DelNero / NREL.
March 22, 2024
BY U.S. Department of Energy
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Computational Science Center are hard at work enabling the conversion of biomass to fuels and products at industrial scale. Computational tools can model biomass conversion at scales ranging from small lab beakers to biorefineries, which can help accelerate and de-risk the newest technology developments.
Recent computational studies in biomass conversion have made use of funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office and high-performance computing resources at NREL to investigate and solve complex conversion challenges, such as producing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
Three of NREL’s ongoing advanced computing projects include:
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Learn more about these BETO-funded projects and how NREL is using computational modeling to enable pathways to sustainable biofuels.
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Germany-based Mabanaft on April 17 announced it started to supply SAF to airlines at Frankfurt Airport in January. The company said it will deliver more than 1,000 metric tons of SAF to the airport this year under the European SAF mandate.
Neste Corp. released first quarter financial results on April 29, reporting improved renewable fuel demand and increased SAF production. Margins, however, were low and feedstock costs were high.
CVR Energy Inc.’s renewables segment on April 28 reported positive adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 despite the expiration of the $1 per gallon blenders tax credit. Renewable diesel production volumes were up for the three-month period.
easyJet and ATOBA Energy, in partnership with World Fuel Services, announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the development of long-term supply of SAF for easyJet’s operations in Europe and the U.K.
EVA Air announced the signing of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) procurement agreements with three major suppliers: AEG FUELS from the U.S., COSMO Oil Marketing Co. Ltd. from Japan, and Formosa Petrochemical Corp. from Taiwan.