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Greasoline GmbH - Fuel from Waste Fats

Greasoline



Since the failed attempt of establishing E10 fuel on the German market, the discussion about "filling up the bio way" has been omnipresent. For years, scientists have been doing research on how to win fuel without the use of fossil fuels. Researchers of Fraunhofer UMSICHT have now succeeded in developing a procedure providing for the production of high-quality biofuel from waste fats and oil residues. The great advantages of this process: The raw materials used do not compete with food supplies in any respect and are available in large quantities and short-term – and all with reduced CO2 emissions. With the support of Fraunhofer Venture, the scientists founded Greasoline GmbH in August 2011 for the purpose of marketing this patented technology.

With the application of this technology, high-quality fuels may be produced from bio-based oils or fats of any quality without the need for hydrogen or conventional catalysts. Greasoline's so-called waste-to-fuel process, therefore, allows for using numerous alternative substitute materials of unlimited natural resources such as for example algae. Furthermore, residual materials may be utilized whose cultivation does not compete with the cultivation of foods. The chemical process is as follows: At a temperature of more than 400°C and by means of activated carbon, the raw materials used are transformed into hydrocarbons with a composition corresponding to the chemical compounds of conventional fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or liquid gas – eliminating the need for retrofitting the engines.

The team's successful participation in the Climate-KIC Venture Competition awarding promising concepts focusing on climate, energy, and sustainability again proves that this innovative technology is convincing. The promising start-up was able to win the German preliminary competition in September 2011 and came in fourth among the European-wide competition. Over the next years, the Greasoline team intends to focus on further developing its technology and entering the European as well as international markets. Fraunhofer Venture will continue to support the start-up.