Sustainable Aviation
Honeywell Launches Biocrude Upgrading for Low Cost Renewable Fuels
Honeywell’s Biocrude Upgrading technology converts biomass into low-carbon marine fuel, SAF, and renewable gasoline compatible with existing infrastructure.
Honeywell Unveils Tech to Turn Biomass into Low-Cost Renewable Fuels
On October 28, 2025, Honeywell announced a new technology aimed at converting biomass, like agricultural and forestry waste, into renewable fuels. This development arrives at a critical moment, particularly for industries facing intense pressure to decarbonize, such as the maritime sector. The technology, named “Biocrude Upgrading,” is designed to produce drop-in fuels compatible with existing infrastructure, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for companies looking to adopt more Sustainability energy sources.
The core of the announcement centers on a process that upgrades an intermediate product known as biocrude, also called pyrolysis oil or HTL oil, into finished, high-quality fuels. This positions Honeywell’s innovation as a crucial mid-stream solution. Instead of handling the initial conversion of raw biomass, the technology focuses on refining the unstable biocrude into a stable, usable product. This approach addresses a long-standing challenge in the biofuels industry and could streamline the path from waste collection to fuel consumption.
While the primary target is the maritime industry, the technology’s flexibility allows for the production of SAF and renewable gasoline. This versatility significantly broadens its market potential, tapping into the rapidly growing demand for cleaner aviation fuels and alternatives to conventional gasoline. By offering a solution for multiple hard-to-abate sectors, Honeywell is positioning itself as a key player in the broader energy transition.
A Closer Look at Biocrude Upgrading Technology
Honeywell’s “Biocrude Upgrading” process technology is engineered to take biocrude, derived from sources like wood chips and crop residues, and refine it into a finished product. A key logistical advantage of this model is that the initial conversion of bulky biomass into denser biocrude can happen at or near the collection site, which helps keep transportation costs down. The more stable biocrude can then be transported to major refining facilities for the final upgrading process.
The output is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it’s chemically similar to conventional fuels and can be used without requiring costly engine modifications or new infrastructure. For the maritime sector, this means a lower-carbon alternative to the heavy fuel oil that has dominated the industry for decades. Honeywell also highlights that its renewable marine fuel has a higher energy density than many existing biofuel alternatives, allowing vessels to extend their range.
Another significant feature is the modular design of the technology. Honeywell can deliver the Biocrude Upgrading process in a prefabricated modular plant. This approach can simplify on-site construction, reduce project timelines, and mitigate risks for customers. According to Ken West, President of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions, this modular form offers savings “from the point of installation through to refining and use.”
“The maritime industry has a real need for renewable fuels that are immediately available and cost effective. Our Biocrude Upgrading processing technology can be delivered in modular form, offering savings from the point of installation through to refining and use.”
– Ken West, President of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions.
Market Context: A Solution for Uncertain Times
Honeywell’s announcement is strategically timed. The maritime industry, which accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is currently navigating significant regulatory uncertainty. The recent postponement of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework has left many shipowners hesitant to make large capital investments in new technologies or vessels. In this environment, cost-effective, drop-in solutions that work with the existing fleet are highly attractive.
Beyond the maritime sector, the market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is projected to experience massive growth. Various forecasts point to a multi-billion dollar market within the next decade, driven by environmental regulations, airline sustainability goals, and growing consumer demand for greener travel. Biofuels are currently the dominant pathway for SAF production due to their commercial readiness. Honeywell’s technology, capable of producing SAF from biocrude, is well-positioned to capitalize on this expanding market.
The renewable gasoline market, while more complex, also presents an opportunity. Fuel ethanol, primarily made from biomass, is already a major component of the U.S. gasoline supply, where it is used for blending. Honeywell’s ability to produce a renewable naphtha suitable for gasoline blending allows it to tap into this established market. The emphasis on “drop-in” compatibility remains a key selling point across all targeted sectors.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap in the Energy Transition
Honeywell’s Biocrude Upgrading technology represents a pragmatic and timely solution for industries struggling with decarbonization. By focusing on a flexible, modular, and cost-effective “drop-in” fuel, the company addresses the immediate needs of sectors like maritime and aviation without demanding a complete overhaul of existing infrastructure. The ability to use abundant and inexpensive feedstocks like agricultural and forestry waste further strengthens its economic viability.
This innovation is not just about a new product; it’s about providing a crucial link in the biofuel supply chain. By solving the challenge of refining unstable biocrude, Honeywell’s technology could unlock greater potential for biomass as a reliable energy source. As regulatory pressures and market demands for sustainable alternatives continue to grow, such versatile and ready-to-implement technologies will likely play a pivotal role in the global transition to a lower-carbon economy.
FAQ
Question: What is Honeywell’s new technology?
Answer: It is a “Biocrude Upgrading” process technology that converts biocrude, derived from biomass like wood chips and crop residues, into low-carbon renewable fuels.
Question: What types of fuel can it produce?
Answer: The technology can be adjusted to produce low-carbon marine fuel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and renewable gasoline (in the form of renewable naphtha for blending).
Question: What makes this technology a “drop-in” fuel?
Answer: The resulting fuels are compatible with existing engines and infrastructure, meaning they can be used without requiring costly modifications or upgrades for vessels, aircraft, or vehicles.
Sources
Photo Credit: Honeywell
Sustainable Aviation
KBR Selected for Asia’s First Ethanol-to-Jet SAF Plant in Singapore
KBR will provide PureSAF technology licensing and FEED services for a 100,000-ton/year SAF facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
On June 29, 2026, KBR announced its selection by Keppel Ltd. and Aster Chemicals and Energy to provide technology licensing and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for a proposed 100,000-ton-per-year SAF (SAF) facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
The planned facility is envisioned as Asia’s first commercial-scale ethanol-to-jet (EtJ) SAF plant. According to the KBR press release, the project will utilize the company’s PureSAF technology to produce a 100% drop-in jet fuel, supporting Singapore’s national mandate to increase sustainability usage across the aviation sector.
PureSAF technology and project scope
The Jurong Island facility will leverage PureSAF, a technology originally developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and engineered for commercial-scale production by KBR, which holds the exclusive global license. The process is designed to convert ethanol into aviation fuel that requires no blending with conventional Jet A or Jet A-1 before use.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie highlighted the system’s flexibility.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feedstock-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver a 100% drop in jet fuel, ready to power aircraft without blending. We are constantly innovating our SAF solution to make it compatible with feedstock availability in different regions and to enable the aviation industry to transition to low-carbon jet fuel with a cost-optimized approach.”
The FEED study will determine the technical configuration and project capital expenditure required for the facility. The development remains subject to regulatory approvals and a final investment decision (FID) by the project partners.
Aligning with Singapore’s aviation mandates
The selection of KBR follows a January 28, 2026, agreement between Keppel’s Infrastructure Division and Aster to jointly assess the development of the Jurong Island site. Aster operates as a joint venture between Indonesian petrochemical company Chandra Asri and Swiss commodities trader Glencore.
The proposed 100,000-ton annual production capacity aligns directly with targets set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Starting in 2026, the CAAS mandates a 1% SAF uplift for all departing flights from the country, with a stated goal of increasing that requirement to between 3% and 5% by 2030.
Alongside the SAF plant contract, KBR and Keppel signed a Memorandum of Intent to collaborate on broader energy transition initiatives. The companies plan to explore technologies related to waste-to-energy, plastic recycling, biofuels, and artificial intelligence-driven digitalization.
AirPro News analysis
We view the progression of the Jurong Island project to the FEED stage as a critical indicator of the Asia-Pacific region’s readiness to scale SAF production. While North America and Europe have led early SAF capacity investments, Singapore’s firm regulatory mandate provides the demand certainty required to underwrite commercial-scale facilities in Southeast Asia. The choice of an ethanol-to-jet pathway is particularly notable, as it allows operators to bypass the constrained supply of fats, oils, and greases that limit hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) production volumes. The project’s ultimate realization hinges on the upcoming final investment decision, which will test the commercial viability of the EtJ process in the current economic environment.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: KBR
Sustainable Aviation
NGO Coalition Pushes EU to End Aviation ETS Exemption
The SASHA Coalition urges the EU to end its ETS exemption for international flights ahead of the July 2026 legislative review.
A coalition of environmental and industry non-governmental organizations is urging the European Commission to end the European Union Emissions Trading System exemption for international flights, a move proponents estimate could generate €130 billion in carbon market revenues between 2027 and 2035.
In a campaign coordinated by the SASHA Coalition, groups including Opportunity Green, Transport & Environment, and Carbon Market Watch are targeting the upcoming legislative revision of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) scheduled for July 2026. The coalition argues that integrating extra-EEA flights into the carbon pricing mechanism is necessary to fund clean aviation technologies, specifically electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) infrastructure.
The financial and environmental cost of the exemption
The European Union initially included aviation in the ETS on January 1, 2012, but introduced a stop-the-clock mechanism exempting extra-EEA flights following international pressure. According to a policy briefing from the SASHA Coalition, this exemption left an estimated 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions unregulated between 2012 and 2023. The coalition calculates this resulted in €26 billion in uncollected carbon market revenues during that period.
If the exemption is maintained after its scheduled expiration in 2027, the coalition projects that 1.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will go unregulated through 2035. A full-scope ETS could generate an estimated €14 billion in annual revenue for European Union member states by 2030.
Industry perspectives on carbon pricing and CORSIA
The debate centers on the effectiveness of the United Nations Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The European Commission is required to assess by mid-2026 whether CORSIA delivers sufficient environmental ambition. Environmental groups argue the UN scheme is structurally unfit because it relies on offsetting rather than absolute emissions reduction and targets only emissions above a high baseline. Conversely, Airlines and industry groups have historically opposed extending the EU ETS to international flights, citing concerns over market distortions, potential violations of international law, and competitive disadvantages for European hubs.
Clean technology providers argue that a strong regulatory framework is required to drive investment. During a June 9, 2026 roundtable event at the European Parliament convened by the SASHA Coalition, NEG8 Carbon Head of Business Development Dr. David Mulrooney emphasized the necessity of the ETS for commercial strategy.
“To answer your question directly: the EU ETS is foundational to our commercial strategy. NEG8 supplies atmospheric CO2 capture. The stronger and more consistent the carbon price signal, the stronger the investment case for the infrastructure we sell into. ETS is not a policy backdrop for us. It is the market mechanism our business is built on,” Mulrooney stated.
Mulrooney advocated for directing ETS revenue into DAC and eSAF to drive down costs, similar to historical cost curves for solar power and batteries. Member of the European Parliament Cynthia Nà Mhurchú also spoke at the event, noting that regulatory certainty is critical for future planning.
AirPro News analysis
The July 2026 review of the EU ETS represents a critical juncture for European aviation policy. We observe that the European Commission is caught between two competing pressures: the mandate to meet aggressive decarbonization targets and the risk of triggering international trade disputes if it unilaterally prices emissions on extra-EEA flights. The SASHA Coalition focus on revenue generation for eSAF and DAC is a strategic pivot, framing the ETS not just as a punitive tax but as a necessary funding mechanism for the aviation industry transition. Overcoming airline opposition to overlapping carbon pricing regimes will require the Commission to clearly articulate how the EU ETS and CORSIA can coexist without creating prohibitive administrative and financial burdens for operators.
Sources: SASHA Coalition
Photo Credit: SASHA Coalition
Sustainable Aviation
Delta Air Lines Installs VCT Finlets on 240 Boeing 737NG Jets
Delta Air Lines will fit aerodynamic finlets from Vortex Control Technologies on 240 Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER aircraft.
Delta Air Lines will install aerodynamic finlets from Vortex Control Technologies across 240 of its Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft to reduce drag and lower fuel consumption.
Announced in a company press release on June 17, 2026, the modification program targets the carrier’s Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER fleets. The installation follows computational fluid dynamics analysis and flight test validation, aligning with Delta’s broader sustainability objectives to address the 90 percent of its carbon footprint generated by jet fuel.
Aerodynamic modifications and fleet implementation
The Vortex Control Technologies (VCT) finlet package consists of small aerodynamic devices installed on the aft fuselage of the aircraft. These structures are designed to reshape airflow around the tail section, reducing flow separation and improving overall pressure distribution. By mitigating aerodynamic drag, the finlets directly decrease the amount of thrust required during cruise, resulting in lower fuel burn.
Delta Air Lines Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia DeLuca stated that the carrier seeks out innovations that reduce environmental impact and generate long-term operational benefits.
“We appreciate the strong partnership with VCT throughout the evaluation process and are looking forward to this implementation to further support our ongoing fleet efficiency initiatives,” DeLuca said.
VCT Chief Executive Officer Gil Morgan noted that equipping the 240 Delta aircraft represents a significant milestone for the manufacturer.
“We are proud to provide a practical technology that helps airlines improve fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enhance operating economics,” Morgan said.
Regulatory approval and industry adoption
The VCT finlet system operates under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The technology has steadily gained traction among Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG) operators seeking incremental efficiency improvements. On September 26, 2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validated the FAA STC, clearing the devices for installation on European-registered aircraft.
Other operators have also adopted the modification. On July 29, 2025, Avelo Airlines announced a follow-on order for additional VCT finlets. The carrier reported proven fuel savings and emissions reductions after 18 months of in-service performance across its own Boeing 737NG fleet.
AirPro News analysis
We view Delta’s adoption of aft-fuselage finlets as a pragmatic approach to extending the economic viability of its Boeing 737NG fleet. While winglets have long been the industry standard for drag reduction, aft-body modifications represent an incremental but valuable efficiency gain for mature airframes. As airlines manage delayed deliveries of next-generation narrowbody aircraft, retrofitting existing fleets with drag-reducing technology offers an immediate reduction in fuel burn and emissions without requiring significant downtime or capital expenditure.
Sources: Delta News Hub
Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines