14-07-2021

UrbanX selects Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology for renewable fuels project in California

Chevron Lummus Global LLC (CLG) and Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) today announced the start of engineering work for UrbanX Renewables Group INC. (UrbanX) for a large, commercial-sized 5,300 BPD Biofuels ISOCONVERSION unit as part of their grassroots renewable fuels project in California.

California is a leader in using low-carbon technologies and has adopted the Low Carbon Fuel Standard to increase the use of renewable fuels. As a result, UrbanX has selected the jointly developed CLG and ARA Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology for their grassroots facility in southern California. The process consists of hydrothermal conversion and hydroprocessing operations that convert waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel, jet fuel, and naphtha that have properties comparable to their petroleum counterparts.

"We are proud to license our cutting-edge Biofuels ISOCONVERSION technology to UrbanX for their commercial-scale renewable project in California. This award strengthens CLG's efforts to provide technology solutions that reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the energy transition," said Thad Sauvain, Global Sales and Licensing Director, Chevron Lummus Global.

"We will be producing the right fuel at the right time," according to Bruce Melgar, UrbanX president. "Benefits to the environment include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions following California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Today's stiff environmental challenges require exceptional responses, and our lower-carbon fuels produced from integrated waste-based feedstocks will support this standard."

UrbanX will employ the Biofuels ISOCONVERSION process to convert ultra-low carbon intensity waste oil feedstocks into ReadiNaphtha™, ReadiJet™, and ReadiDiesel™, which are 100% drop-in renewable options for conventional petroleum-based fuels. This results in a lower carbon intensity (CI) fuel compared to petroleum.