EUBCE 2026 - Nabil ABDALLA - Assessing the Carbon Intensity of Co-processed Biofuels in European Refinery Systems

Assessing the Carbon Intensity of Co-processed Biofuels in European Refinery Systems

Short Introductive summary

Co-processing is a decarbonization option for the transport sector that uses existing refinery infrastructure and introduces biogenic feedstocks. However, the introduction of biogenic feedstocks constitutes a change to default refinery operations and impacts processing emissions. Within this study, the authors investigate the carbon intensity of co-processed bio fuels for fuels produced via hydroprocessing (hydrotreatment and hydrocracking) as well as fluid catalytic cracking. For all investigated processing routes, suitable biogenic feedstocks (lipids based on UCO and Fast Pyrolysis Oil / hydrotreated Pyrolysis Oil, based on forestry residues) Methodological principles and system boundary are harmonized with the framework for the calculation of GHG-emissions for biofuels of the EC’s Renewable Energy Directive (Directive (EU) 2018/2001). As additional sensitivity, the impact of origin of hydrogen (renewable vs. non-renewable) was analysed. Results show substantial emission reduction potential for the investigated biofuels from co-processing with emission saving potentials greater than 70% against a fossil fuel comparator.

N. Abdalla, ifeu Institut für Energie- und Umweltforschung, Heidelberg, GERMANY
M. Buffi, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, ITALY
H. Fehrenbach, ifeu Institut für Energie- und Umweltforschung, Heidelberg, GERMANY
N. Scarlat, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, ITALY