Sponsored By

XFuel developing affordable marine biofuels at scaleXFuel developing affordable marine biofuels at scale

There is growing interest in marine biofuels but full-scale commercialisation faces issues around cost and compatibility with standards, however XFuel claims to have the answers.

Marcus Hand, Editor

November 10, 2022

3 Min Read
Nicholas Ball, CEO of XFuel
Nicholas Ball, CEO of XFuelPhoto: XFuel

XFuel is developing modular, scaleable, refineries for a second-generation biofuel that is compatible with existing ISO marine fossil fuel specifications and the company says is considerably lower cost than existing biofuels.

XFuel uses a patented process to convert biomass waste into drop-in biofuels and currently has a demonstration plant in Spain with an annual capacity of around 1m litres, and is now gearing up for larger projects around the world which would be capable of supplying the volumes required by the marine industry.

Explaining the process it uses Nicholas Ball, CEO of XFuel, tells Seatrade Maritime News: “The way we go about this is as a single conversion step, it is very efficient in terms of the energy we use to produce our fuels. And we use temperatures and pressures that are very low, comparatively to the industry, which means our equipment is very low cost. So, our capex requirements are also very low.”

The result, XFuel say, is they can produce high quality biofuels for marine and other industries at a lower cost. Ball is coy though when it comes to how much this in terms of price of XFuel’s marine biofuels compared to conventional ones currently in the market. He did though describe it as “compelling” although also dependent on the project and feedstock availability.

Related:ExxonMobil commercialising marine biofuels in North Europe

The resulting fuel, unlike other drop-in biofuels, is compatible with the ISO 8217 (2017) standard for fossil fuels. The lack of an international standard for biofuels is seen as one of their barriers to large scale adoption. “We actually are technically the same as what you would find in fossil fuel in terms of the specs and meeting those specs,” Ball says.

For feedstock XFuel uses primarily wood waste from the construction industry, furniture waste, as well as forestry and agricultural waste. Ball says they are working with the likes of feedstock aggregators and waste management companies. “We focus on all different types and that's what makes it so compelling is that really, we have plenty available for us from the waste streams,” he says.

A phasing out of waste incineration would provide further feedstock sources.

While the company has done analysis and trials of its biofuel with various engine types it is yet to carry out a full vessel test, which would require 20 – 30 tonnes of fuel. Ball sees partners for vessel tests as the next stage to commercialisation of its product.

In terms of what lies ahead for XFuel expansion and build out of plants in multiple locations is the plan but Ball is unwilling to give details. “We are essentially looking to roll out a number of projects across different countries, and specifically right now for the marine industry,” he says.

Related:DHL and Hapag-Lloyd to use advanced biofuels

“Where we are right now is looking for off takers and people are interested in [the product], we're talking to some of the largest shipping companies and others that are interested in pre-ordering this, interested in the product, doing their tests and analysis on our fuels,” Ball says.

He adds that their first commercial project is coming soon, with another to be announced in Europe soon. With a modular system XFuel believes it will be able to scale up quickly and it will be a case of watching this space to see how and when the company moves from a demonstration project to a commercially viable product.

 

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like