Heat, Power, and Low-Carbon Mobility
Last updated: August 21, 2025
International BioRefineries (iNBIO) supplies renewable intermediates and fuels derived from sustainably sourced biomass. From industrial steam and district energy to marine blends and SAF (via upgrading), biofuels enable measurable carbon reductions while leveraging existing infrastructure. This page highlights practical applications and how to select the right path for your site.
Where Biofuels Deliver the Most Value
1) Industrial Heat & Steam
Use case: Process heat for dryers, kilns, boilers, and thermal oil heaters.
Fuel forms: Pyrolysis bio-oil (with compatible burners), renewable diesel, or biodiesel in suitable equipment.
Why it works: Displaces fossil #2/#4 oils with renewable energy; drop-in potential increases with liquid fuels that meet existing burner specs.
2) Combined Heat & Power (CHP) & District Energy
Use case: Campus and community systems needing electricity plus hot/chilled water.
Fuel forms: Bio-oil to compatible boilers/HRSGs with turbine or engine prime movers; biogas/renewable gas where available.
Why it works: Captures both thermal and electrical value for high overall efficiency.
3) Transportation Fuels
Aviation (SAF): iNBIO provides stabilized bio-oil as a renewable intermediate; SAF is produced via third-party hydrotreating/hydro-deoxygenation and finishing.
On-road/off-road: Renewable diesel and biodiesel (FAME) can power fleets and equipment when meeting OEM and regional standards.
Marine & rail: Emerging opportunities for blends that reduce lifecycle carbon intensity.
4) Backup Power & Microgrids
Use case: Critical facilities and remote operations.
Fuel forms: Renewable diesel/biodiesel for gensets; bio-oil in dedicated or modified burners for boiler-turbine systems.
Why it works: Improves resilience with lower-carbon liquid fuel logistics.
5) Infrastructure & Materials
Use case: Asphalt binder extenders/modifiers and industrial process heat.
Fuel forms: Pyrolysis bio-oil (project-specific specs).
Why it works: Potential material and emissions benefits; requires rigorous lab validation and mix design.
Application Selector (Quick Reference)
| Application | Preferred Fuel Form | Typical Equipment | Notes / What to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process steam & thermal oil | Bio-oil; Renewable diesel; Biodiesel | Boilers, thermal oil heaters, kilns | Burner compatibility, viscosity/heating, emissions permits |
| CHP & district energy | Bio-oil + turbine/engine; Biogas if available | Boiler/HRSG + turbine or engine | Heat-to-power ratio, grid interconnect, redundancy |
| Aviation (via upgrading) | Bio-oil (intermediate) → SAF | Hydrotreating/hydro-deoxygenation (third-party) | Off-site upgrading; ASTM pathways; jet blend limits |
| On-road/off-road | Renewable diesel; Biodiesel blends | Engines meeting fuel specs | OEM approvals, cold-flow properties, storage standards |
| Marine/rail | Renewable diesel; project blends | Marine engines, rail engines | Fuel quality, sulfur/CI targets, port regulations |
| Backup power | Renewable diesel/biodiesel; bio-oil boilers | Gensets; boiler-turbine systems | Start-reliability, tank sizing, local air rules |
| Asphalt & materials | Bio-oil (spec’d) | Mix plants, binder labs | Performance grade, durability, QA/QC testing |
iNBIO provides project-specific specifications and performance terms during engineering. Actual guarantees depend on feed, duty cycle, equipment, and permit conditions.
Safety, Storage & Compliance
- Fuel quality: Maintain moisture and solids within spec; follow OEM and standards for renewable diesel/biodiesel.
- Storage: Use appropriate tanks, heat tracing (if required), water management, and nitrogen blanketing for certain liquids.
- Permitting: Coordinate with your air agency on burner conversions, stack controls, and recordkeeping.
- Training: SOPs for fuel handling, transfer, and spill response.
Implementation Roadmap
- Define objectives (cost, carbon intensity, reliability, compliance).
- Select fuel pathway (bio-oil vs. renewable diesel/biodiesel vs. hybrid CHP approach).
- Compatibility review (burners, tanks, materials) and lab/field trials.
- Permitting & interconnection (if CHP or export).
- Commercial terms (specs, offtake, service).
- Commissioning & M&V (measure & verify performance and emissions).
FAQs
Can iNBIO supply drop-in aviation fuel today?
iNBIO supplies bio-oil as a renewable intermediate. SAF requires third-party upgrading; we coordinate with qualified partners.
Will our existing boiler work with bio-oil?
Often yes—with the right burner, atomization, and controls. We assess compatibility and provide a retrofit plan or alternative fuel options.
What carbon reduction can we claim?
It depends on the fuel pathway, feedstock, and certification. iNBIO supports data packages for lifecycle analysis and carbon programs.
Do biofuels impact maintenance?
Fuel quality management (water/solids), materials compatibility, and periodic inspections are key. We provide SOPs and recommended spares.