€1 Million European Commission Grant for Tüpraş Fuel-Up Biofuel R&D Project
Tüpraş has launched a major research and development initiative focused on future energy solutions. The project aims to use alternative raw materials for biofuel production. These fuels will serve aviation and maritime transportation.
As a result, Tüpraş R&D received €1 million in funding from the European Commission for the Fuel-Up biofuel project. This support was granted under the Horizon Europe Sustainable, Safe and Competitive Energy program. Among 118 projects and 1,972 institutions, only two Turkish organizations received funding. Therefore, this result highlights Tüpraş’s strong R&D position.
Strategic Alignment with the 2050 Transformation Plan
The Fuel-Up project directly supports Tüpraş’s 2050 Strategic Transformation Plan. This plan focuses on sustainability, innovation, and low-carbon energy. Moreover, the European Commission’s support confirms the project’s technical and environmental value.
The total budget of the four-year project is €9 million. In addition, around 70% of the €1.5 million allocated to Tüpraş will be covered by EU funding.
Renewable Feedstocks from Biogenic Sources
The project focuses on pyrolysis oils obtained from 100% biogenic forestry residues. These materials offer a renewable alternative to fossil-based feedstocks. Therefore, the project supports lower-emission fuel development.
For the first time, Tüpraş will produce aviation and marine fuels at demonstration scale using these resources. As a result, the company aims to reduce dependence on conventional inputs.
Research on Forestry and Agricultural Waste in Türkiye
In addition, Tüpraş will examine forestry and agricultural waste available in Türkiye. These resources remain underused in high-value fuel production. However, they offer strong potential for sustainable fuel development.
In the second half of 2022, Tüpraş signed a license agreement with Honeywell. This agreement covers the use of UOP Ecofining™ technology. Consequently, Tüpraş strengthens its ambition to become a leading sustainable aviation fuel producer.
By 2030, the company plans to process 400,000 tons of biofuel feedstock. After 2035, it aims to triple its SAF production capacity.
Addressing Technical Challenges in Biofuel Processing
Oils from forestry and agricultural residues contain high oxygen levels. They may also have corrosive properties. Therefore, direct processing in conventional refineries remains difficult.
However, the Fuel-Up project addresses these limitations. It combines advanced catalyst development with Tüpraş’s refining expertise. As a result, the project improves feedstock quality and processing efficiency.
Production of Sustainable Fuels
Within the project scope, Tüpraş will test the new conversion method at pre-commercial scale. Consequently, the project will produce several fuel types.
These include sustainable aviation fuel, marine diesel, and bio-based naphtha. Furthermore, quality assessments will support future standardization.
As a result, refineries can adapt more easily to fuels with a lower carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The Fuel-Up project marks an important step in Tüpraş’s energy transition journey. It also strengthens Türkiye’s position in sustainable fuel development.
With EU support, innovative technologies, and strong R&D capacity, Tüpraş continues to advance low-emission fuel solutions. Therefore, the company plays a key role in shaping the future of aviation and maritime energy.
