Shell Catalysts & Technologies forms alliance with Arbios Biotech

Shell Catalysts & Technologies (SC&T) and Arbios Biotech, a joint venture between Licella and Canfor, have formed a new global alliance aimed at utilising SC&T’s upgrading technology capability in the pursuit of a low-carbon intensity, circular-economy focused biorefinery.

Arbios Biotech was formed to commercialise Licella’s Cat-HTR™ platform, a globally leading hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology, for various forms of wood and post-consumer biomass around the world, particularly in North America, South America and Europe. The Cat-HTR uses near or at supercritical water to create high-quality biocrude, a renewable and sustainable bio oil for the circular economy.

This alliance between Arbios Biotech and SC&T anticipates that Shell upgrader units will work in concert with commercial Cat-HTR plants, strategically located near aggregated post-consumer biomass feedstock sources. By linking SC&T upgrader units with Cat-HTR plants, Arbios Biotech would have the capability to upgrade biocrude to finished products in one continuous, efficient process.

“We are very pleased to be working with Arbios Biotech on this exciting initiative as they look to develop a low-carbon circular economy,” said Kathren Murray, VP New business Development with Shell Catalyst & Technologies. “We look forward to further developing a strong and collaborative relationship that will meet the needs of the global marketplace.”

“Shell Catalysts & Technologies will play a critical role in helping Arbios Biotech realise its vision of a low-carbon regional circular economy, bringing an end-to-end biorefinery solution in many jurisdictions where no such options exist today, while also supporting efforts to deliver attractive economic returns and desired sustainability outcomes,” said Don Roberts, Chairman of Arbios Biotech.

Source: Hydrocarbon Engineering