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Tüpraş Takes Innovative Step in Renewable Fuel Production with SUNFUSION Project

Turkchem 15 Sep 2025 78 1 dk okuma

Tüpraş will produce biofuel from biological sources such as microalgae and oleaginous yeasts using the hydrothermal liquefaction method, through the SUNFUSION project supported under the European Commission's Horizon Europe Programme. The project stands out as one of the most significant steps contributing to the transition to a low-carbon economy within the framework of the company's "Strategic Transformation Plan."

Türpraş will produce biofuel from biological sources such as microalgae and oleaginous yeasts using hydrothermal liquefaction technology under the SUNFUSION project, which is supported by the European Commission's Horizon Europe Programme. Within the framework of the company's "Strategic Transformation Plan," this project stands out as one of the most important steps towards transition to a low-carbon economy.

About the Project
The project, which started in January 2025 and will run for four years, is being carried out with the participation of a total of 10 partners, including Türpraş and ODTÜ from Turkey, as well as partners from Greece, France, Germany, Norway and Serbia.

In this context:

Microalgae and oleaginous yeasts will be converted to biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction technology.
The energy required for the process will be provided from solar energy.
In the final two years of the project, Türpraş will oversee the analysis and improvement processes of biofuel to make the products ready for industrial use.

A Step in Line with "Our Energy for the Future" Strategy
Murat Şimşek, Deputy General Manager responsible for Technical Affairs at Türpraş, emphasized the strategic importance of the project in the following words:

"As Türpraş, we are steadily pursuing our Strategic Transformation Journey that we began with the motto 'Our Energy for the Future.' In 2024, we invested TRY 229.3 million in R&D. 17 projects supported under Horizon 2020 were successfully completed, and 7 projects supported under Horizon Europe are ongoing. With our Strategic Transformation Plan updated in 2025, we are focusing on sustainable refining, SAF, zero-carbon electricity and green hydrogen. We believe that the SUNFUSION project will make an important contribution to the development of alternative raw materials and technologies for the production of SAF and sustainable maritime fuel. As we progress towards becoming a carbon-neutral energy leader by 2050, this is the most concrete evidence that we regard R&D and innovation as one of our cornerstones."

Contribution to Europe's Green Transition Goals
Under the SUNFUSION project, energy conversion efficiency of over 50% from solar energy to biofuel is targeted. This aims to set new standards in renewable energy technologies, support the European Union's target of 45% renewable energy use by 2030, and accelerate green transition in the transport sector.