**Holborn Taps Topsoe Technology for German Renewable Fuels Complex**
In a significant move to support the energy transition and reduce carbon emissions, Holborn Europa Raffinerie GmbH (Holborn) has entered into a contract with Topsoe AS to utilize its cutting-edge Hydroflex technology. This proprietary technology will be employed at Holborn’s existing 5-million-tonne/year refinery in Hamburg, Germany, to process waste and residue feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel.
The choice of Hydroflex, which enables the conversion of various organic fats, oils, and greases into drop-in renewable jet and diesel meeting global specifications, was crucial in addressing Holborn’s specific feedstock requirements. According to Lars Bergmann, managing director of Holborn’s Hamburg refinery, the advanced technology is pivotal in meeting the project’s precise needs.
As part of its broader initiative to reduce emissions and increase supplies of sustainable fuels, Holborn’s new complex aligns with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). The plant has been designed to produce 220,000 tonnes per year of high-quality hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and SAF, utilizing biomass-based waste and residue feedstocks sourced from the agribusiness industry.
Following this contract, Holborn has also awarded Maire SPA’s Rome-based subsidiaries KT-Kinetics Technology SPA and NextChem SPA to provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services on the complex. The scope of work includes the installation of a pretreatment unit for renewable feedstocks and infrastructure to connect the new HVO plant with existing refining operations.
“This project is an important step in Holborn’s long-term transformation process, aiming to replace crude oil with alternative raw materials as part of our growth strategy,” Bergmann stated. “By focusing on renewable and circular solutions, we are committed to supporting the energy transition.”
The HVO complex, including its pretreatment plant and connecting infrastructure