HutanBio’s biofuel removes more CO2 than it emits – study
An independent assessment finds that UK-based climate tech firm HutanBio’s microalgae-based biofuel production process generates "net-negative" carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the upstream phase.
CHART: Total CO2 emissions during upstream phase of HutanBio's algae-based biofuel production. EcoAct
The findings are based on a “cradle-to-gate” emission assessment conducted by independent consultancy EcoAct. The analysis includes emissions from all stages of the upstream process, such as construction, feedstock input, raw material transport, production, refining and waste processing.
Downstream emissions were not included in the assessment, HutanBio noted.
Third-generation biofuel
Net-negative means that the production process removes more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits.
This is largely due to microalgae’s natural ability to capture and store CO2, leading to an estimated emissions reduction of at least 5.78 mtCO2e/mt of the biofuel.
“The [lifecycle assessment] LCA found that HBx production removes up to 1.48 tonnes of CO₂e per tonne [1.48 mtCO2e/mt] of biofuel produced across all three planned production sites: Morocco, the Middle East, and Western Australia,” the report said.
Among the sites, Morocco recorded the highest emissions reduction at 1.48 mtCO2e/mt of biofuel - considering emissions from production, infrastructure and the local renewable energy input.
This was followed by the Middle East with a 1.24 mtCO2e/mt reduction, and Western Australia with a 0.85 mtCO2e/mt reduction.
“The biofuels industry has long struggled with inconsistent reporting and opaque sustainability claims,” Paul Beastall, chief executive of HutanBio argues.
“By following ISO standards and publishing these results, we are not only validating our own process but helping to set a new benchmark for industry transparency.”
HutanBio plans to begin construction of a commercial pilot facility in 2026, and intends to supply the fuel to shipping and other “hard-to-abate” sectors.
By Konica Bhatt
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