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
-
BIOCTANE goes ILA
The BIOCTANE project will be present at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2026 from 10–11 June 2026 at the stand of project partner aireg (Hall C, Stand 121). As the world’s third-largest airshow, the ILA Berlin Air Show brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from across the aviation and aerospace sectors. With a…
-
Trining School on Heterogeneous Catalysis & Waste-to-SAF Pathways
Last week researchers, industry experts, and early-career scientists came together at the BIOCTANE Training School 2026 to exchange knowledge on heterogeneous catalysis and innovative waste-to-SAF pathways. Over two intensive days at the URJC Móstoles Campus, participants discussed advanced thermochemical conversion routes, next-generation catalytic materials, and the future role of sustainable aviation fuels in the transition…
-
General assembly at IMDEA Energy
From catalyst development to process integration – the latest BIOCTANE General Assembly on 28 April 2026 at IMDEA Energy showcased once again how many disciplines and expertise areas come together within the project to advance sustainable aviation fuel research. 🇪🇸 Throughout the meeting, project partners shared recent results across the work packages, and aligned the…
-
BIOCTANE Training School 2026
Heterogeneous Catalysis & Waste-to-SAF Pathways The BIOCTANE Training School 2026 brings together researchers, industry experts, and early-career scientists for a two-day intensive programme focused on cutting-edge developments in sustainable fuel production. Taking place on 28–29 April 2026 at the URJC Móstoles Campus (Salón de Grados, Departamental I building) in Spain, the training school explores the…
-
BIOCTANE at Clustering Event on Advanced Biofuels
The BIOCTANE project participated in the Clustering Event on Advanced Biofuels, which brought together more than 30 Horizon Europe Research and Innovation and Innovation Actions projects working on sustainable fuels for aviation, maritime, and heavy road transport. The workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, discussion of key technical challenges, and strengthening collaboration across…
-
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On February 12, 2026, Patricia Pizarro took part in the activities celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, delivering an outreach talk to 3rd‑year secondary school students (3º ESO) at IES Victoria Kent (Fuenlabrada). The talk, titled “Researching to Unlock the Value of Organic Waste” introduced students to how research can transform…
-
2nd BioCircular Summit 2026
On January 28, IMDEA Energy participated in the 2nd BioCircular Summit 2026, showcasing the institute’s contribution to accelerating the transition towards Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) through bio-waste valorisation and circular‑economy approaches. During the event, Patricia Pizarro (Senior Associate Researcher at the Thermochemical Processes Unit of IMDEA Energy and Full Professor at URJC) presented the poster:“IMDEA…
-
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,…
-
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…
-
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…