Neste and Chevron Lummus Global (CLG) are collaborating to develop an innovative technology that transforms lignocellulosic waste and residues into renewable fuels. This strategic partnership combines Neste’s global leadership in renewable fuels with CLG’s expertise in refining technologies to pioneer a new pathway for lower-emission energy solutions.
The joint development effort focuses on converting lignocellulosic biomass—such as forest industry byproducts, agricultural residues, and end-of-life wood—into high-quality renewable fuels like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel. These raw materials, typically underutilized and widely available, represent a significant untapped source for clean energy production.
The initiative has reached a significant early milestone: successful pilot testing of the new technology. Initial results demonstrate promising performance improvements over existing methods for processing lignocellulosic feedstocks. The companies are now in the process of validating the technology and preparing it for commercial-scale deployment.
“Lignocellulosic waste and residues can play a major role as a scalable raw material source for renewable fuels,” said Lars Peter Lindfors, senior vice president of technology and innovation at Neste. “The development with CLG has progressed well, and the early outcomes are very encouraging. Unlocking the potential of these materials would not only meet growing demand for renewable fuels but also support global climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The collaboration is seen as a crucial step toward increasing the availability of renewable fuels and expanding the range of raw materials that can be effectively processed. The new approach also aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on food-based feedstocks, further enhancing the sustainability of fuel production.
CLG brings to the table a wealth of experience in hydroprocessing technology, which plays a central role in refining operations. The company’s flexible and scalable platforms are designed to handle complex raw materials, such as those derived from lignocellulosic sources.
“The successful proof of concept is a significant milestone in our partnership with Neste,” said Rajesh Samarth, CEO of CLG. “It marks real progress toward commercial-scale production of renewable fuels from challenging but abundantly available biomass. We’re excited to leverage our advanced hydroprocessing technology to bring this innovation to market.”
By developing this novel technology, Neste and CLG aim to make a meaningful contribution to decarbonizing transportation and meeting the increasing global demand for cleaner energy. The ongoing validation and eventual scale-up of the process could reshape how renewable fuels are produced from forest and agricultural waste streams.
Neste develops innovative solutions to combat climate change and promote a circular economy. As the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, the company helps its customers significantly lower their greenhouse gas emissions.
