Lummus Technology and Next Wave Energy Partners have achieved a breakthrough in the production of renewable alkylate, a bio-based fuel blending component. The company’s innovative technology combines ethanol and Lummus’ proprietary processes to produce a low-carbon intensity fuel.
The production of renewable alkylate is a significant milestone for the industry, as it offers a more eco-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional gasoline. The fuel has a 30% lower carbon intensity than traditional gasoline and can be used as a drop-in blending component.
The achievement was made possible through a collaboration between Lummus and Next Wave, which began with the production of green ethylene from ethanol using the EtE EverGreen technology. The green ethylene was then processed in multiple pilot plants at Lummus’ Research and Development Center in Pasadena, Texas, to convert it into renewable alkylate.
Next Wave conducted extensive testing on the renewable alkylate to ensure its performance and verify its expected carbon intensity. The company is also submitting a fuel registration to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for gasoline with up to 79% of renewable alkylate content.
The production of renewable alkylate is an important step towards developing more sustainable chemical processes and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. The achievement is also significant for Next Wave’s Project Lightning, which aims to enhance the capabilities and optionality of its existing ethylene-to-alkylate facility by enabling the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and carbon-negative, polymer-grade ethylene.
Overall, the production of renewable alkylate is a significant achievement that highlights the potential for innovation in the industry.
