Room: Amazon
Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Time: 17:30 - 18:30 CEST
Session code 5BO.14
Advances in upgrading for high-quality drop-in biofuels
Continuous Hydrotreating of Microalgae Biocrude for Marine and Aviation Fuel Applications
Short Introductive summary
Defossilizing aviation and marine transport presents a major challenge in the global energy transition due to their reliance on high energy density liquid fuels. This study explores the potential of upgrading hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) biocrude from Parachlorella kessleri microalgae as a sustainable alternative. Using one-stage and two-stage hydrotreatment processes, the biocrude was upgraded and analyzed for suitability in marine and aviation applications. Mild upgrading met ISO 8217 standards for marine fuel, while more severe two-stage treatment was required to meet ASTM 7566 specifications for jet fuel. The findings highlight the upgrading requirements and pathways for producing low-carbon fuels for hard-to-electrify transport sectors.
Presenter
Ahmed AL-DUBAI
Aalborg University, DENMARK
Presenter's biography
I am a PhD researcher at Aalborg University, Denmark, focusing on the upgrading of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) biocrude through catalytic hydrotreating. My research aims to improve fuel quality and support the development of sustainable drop-in biofuels.
Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited
Co-authors:
S. Bhatwadekar, Aalborg University, DENMARK
A. Jaime-Azuara, Aalborg University, DENMARK
D. Castello, Aalborg University, DENMARK
Session reference: 5BO.14.2