Project
Detailed information about the BIOCTANE research project, its goals, and the next steps.
Partner
Our project partners and their contribution to the project’s success.
Research
BIOCTANE’s recent publications and dissemination events.
About
Reducing GHG emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement, is particularly challenging regarding producing “green” liquid fuels with a high energy density, especially for the aviation sector. The BIOCTANE project aims to develop and optimize an innovative process for converting organic waste materials (e.g., food-waste, organic material from the food processing industry) into carbon-neutral market-ready drop-in jet fuels. A proof of concept on the synergetic coupling of biotechnological and thermocatalytic processing routes will be developed by employing a disruptive and interdisciplinary strategy. The project targets the efficient valorization of organic wastes into renewable jet fuel and maximizing the recovery of chemical energy, nutrients, and carbon use. In order to achieve this, the complex organic waste will be converted into platform molecules (acetoin and 2,3-butanediol).
Subsequently, a novel one-pot chemical process will be developed by combining different catalytic steps through which the platform molecules are converted to jet-fuel range hydrocarbons. Based on an extensive process flow modeling, the process efficiency and the techno-economic requirements for full market integration and the environmental impact will be assessed. Furthermore, to achieve the best environmental performance, efficient recovery of nutrients for reuse will be aimed throughout the process development. Therefore, BIOCTANE will establish a novel pathway involving hybrid processes and multifunctional catalysts, contributing to implementing sustainable, secure, and competitive renewable energy technologies in Europe, boosting the use of advanced biofuels, and with a direct impact on strategic areas like aviation transport.
News
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New Team Member
We are excited to welcome Ignacio Lemir as a new team member of the BIOCTANE project! Ignacio Lemir is a Chemist (BSc in Chemistry) who obtained his PhD at the National University of Córdoba (Argentina). After completing his doctorate, he joined IMDEA Energy, where he expanded his expertise in materials science and continuous-flow reaction systems,…
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New Team Member
We are excited to welcome Lidia Amodio as a new team member of the BIOCTANE project! Lidia Amodio is a Chemical Engineer who holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Salerno (Italy). She earned her PhD at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Spain), carrying out her research at IMDEA Energy, in…
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BIOCTANE Scientific Workshop at TU Hamburg – A Day of Insights and Collaboration
On 6 October 2025, the second BIOCTANE Scientific Workshop took place at the Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg). The full-day event brought together 52 participants from research institutions, universities, and industry. The workshop focused on key technological aspects of the biochemical conversion of biogenic waste into renewable aviation fuels. Presentations addressed both individual process…
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Summer School 2025 – Biofilms & Process Modeling
From 7–9 October 2025, the BIOCTANE Summer School took place at the Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg), bringing together 23 participants for an intensive 2.5-day training program on Productive Biofilms and Process Modeling. Designed for PhD students and early-career researchers, the Summer School combined theoretical input with extensive hands-on experience. Participants began by assembling…
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Joint Webinar
Thank you to everyone who joined the joint E-Meeting “Closing the Gaps in Bio/E-Fuels – Standards, Regulation, and Market Readiness”! More than 120 participants took part in this engaging online event exploring the latest developments in biogenic and e-fuels for hard-to-abate transport sectors. Special thanks go to our speakers Klaus Lucka (Tec4Fuels, Germany), Karsten Wilbrand…
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E-Meeting: Closing the Gaps in Bio/E-Fuels – Standards, Regulation, and Market Readiness
4 November 09:30 – 11:45 (CET) Join us for an insightful online session exploring the latest developments in biogenic and e-fuels for hard-to-abate transport sectors, including aviation, heavy-duty, and shipping. This e-meeting will feature expert lectures from Tec4Fuels and Shell on key challenges and opportunities related to standardization, certification, and regulatory frameworks — crucial elements…
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General assembly at PSI
Earlier this month, the BIOCTANE consortium gathered for its General Assembly on 3-4. April – this time in person at the PSI Paul Scherrer Institut in Villigen, Switzerland.🇨🇭All project partners presented and discussed their latest results, and once again it became clear how valuable physical meetings are – even in times of Zoom and Teams.…
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BIOCTANE at the 12th Stakeholder Plenary Meeting of ETIP Bioenergy
On March 12, the BIOCTANE project was presented at the 12th Stakeholder Plenary Meeting, organized by the European Technology and Innovation Platform (ETIP Bioenergy) in Brussels. In an invited talk project coordinator Patricia Pizarro showcased how BIOCTANE aims to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by combining innovative biotechnological and thermocatalytic processes. The event brought together…
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BIOCTANE Engages with Future Scientists at the IES Victoria Kent Institute
On February 13, 2025, Patricia Pizarro represented the BIOCTANE project at IES Victoria Kent in Fuenlabrada (Madrid), where she delivered a series of talks to high school students on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Her presentation, titled “Investigating to Valorize Waste”, introduced students to the importance of research…
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BIOCTANE at the BIOCIRCULAR SUMMIT 2025
On February 11, 2025, the BIOCTANE project was presented at the BIOCIRCULAR Summit in Spain, a key national event focused on biocircularity, sustainability, and the regulatory landscape for renewable energy, fuels, and waste management. The summit brought together experts from various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and industry, to discuss innovative solutions for advancing circular economy…