Haffner Energy has unveiled SB‑HEFA (Solid Biomass to HEFA), a new process designed to cut the cost of renewable diesel and SAF by around 50%.
The technology directly converts solid biomass into liquid thermolysis oil, avoiding the conventional syngas route.
This oil is rapidly cooled, stabilised, filtered and then upgraded via hydrodeoxygenation using established HEFA industry know‑how.
By using low‑cost residual biomass — priced at roughly one‑fifth of typical HEFA feedstocks such as used cooking oil — SB‑HEFA significantly reduces feedstock costs and shortens the industrial process chain.
Haffner estimates that SB‑HEFA plant CAPEX could be about one‑third of comparable biomass‑to‑liquids routes, with improved energy efficiency. Initial industrial deployment will focus on renewable diesel, including projects within multi‑energy hubs in Canada, with SAF production following as markets mature. The company is already in discussions with aviation stakeholders regarding large‑scale adoption
