RegenTechnologies
Better and faster earth-abundant metal catalysts for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
About Us
We have pioneered an innovative low carbon sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) technology at Queen’s University Belfast. Waste biomass derived SAFs have strong potential to decarbonise the aviation industry. Our prototype technology for production of low carbon SAFs is coupled with several advantages such as the use of earth-abundant metal catalysts produced mechanochemically.
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The Problem
Escalating CO2 Emissions
In the past decade, global warming has risen to unprecedented levels, driven primarily by increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. These emissions, responsible for over 60% of direct global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, have escalated since 1990, surpassing 35 billion tonnes annually.
Major Contributors
Key sectors such as electricity, heat production, transport, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture contribute significantly to this alarming trend. The aviation industry emerged as a significant contributor to carbon emissions, accounting to nearly 800 Mt CO2 emissions in 2022, surpassing rail, road, or shipping.
The Need for Aviation Decarbonisation
Aviation plays a vital role in domestic and international connectivity, trade, and investment and estimated to increase by an average of 4.3% per annum over the next 20 years. Hence, without substantial reductions in aviation industry’s GHG emissions, meeting projected carbon budgets and reducing impacts of climate change will become highly impracticable. Urgent action is required to decarbonize this critical sector and mitigate the climate crisis.
Catalytic Upgrading of Biomass
At QUB, our integrated approach involves catalytic upgrading of biomass-derived feedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). We develop novel catalysts and process technologies for production of SAF using sustainable earth-abundant metal catalysts. We develop innovative reaction engineering tools to leverage biomass-derived feedstocks for production of low carbon clean aviation fuels.
Optimised Hydrothermal Liquefaction
We have optimized the biomass liquefaction process for production of a blend of biofuel precursors. These bio-derived precursors can subsequently be upgraded to low carbon clean SAF using our innovative earth-abundant catalysts prepared mechanochemically.
Environmental Advantages of the QUB Process
The QUB process offers several environmental advantages
Mechanochemical Synthesis
A green alternative to traditional catalyst production methods, enhancing metal dispersion and surface area.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Sustainable fuels derived from biomass significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil-fuel-based jet fuels.
Transition to Bio-based Fuels
By integrating bio-based fuels into aviation, greenhouse gas emissions can transition towards a more environmentally friendly operation.
Achieving Net-Zero Carbon Goals
Incorporating bio-based aviation fuels is a key step towards achieving net-zero carbon goals. This transition is essential for meeting global climate targets and ensuring a sustainable future for air travel.
Developing Sustainable Technologies for Net-Zero Carbon Emissions
We are developing sustainable technologies aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Our technology can be licensed to existing energy and refinery companies for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). This technology offers several key advantages:
- Enhanced Catalyst Efficiency: Our catalysts are better and faster, resulting in a two-fold increase in the productivity of fuel precursors.
- Sustainable Materials: We use earth-abundant copper-based metals instead of scarce and toxic precious noble-metal catalysts.
- Greener Synthesis Methods: Our catalyst synthesis protocols are based on solvent-less mechanochemical methods, delivering a greener environmental impact.
Meet The Team
Nayan Jyoti Mazumdar
Entrepreneurial Lead
Dr. Haresh Manyar
Principal Scientific Advisor
Gareth Caves
TTO Representative
Mark Jackson
Business Adviser