Biofine says its proprietary technology enables economical production of high-value renewable biofuels .
Biofine Developments Northeast and Sprague Resources announced a longterm agreement to bring a biofuel called ethyl levulinate to market . Sprague will also market EL , a product described in a news release as “ ready to revolutionize the heating oil industry by converting waste feedstocks into carbon-negative biofuels .”
“ We see this agreement as a critical step towards establishing a new industry that we believe will become a cornerstone of Maine ’ s decarbonization goals , equity , rural development , job creation , and forest economy resurgence ,” said Dr . Stephen Fitzpatrick , CEO of Biofine . “ The potential impact of establishing a beneficial circular economy within the state and Northeastern U . S . with the Biofine technology could be enormous .”
“ We ’ re excited by the prospect of EL to contribute to the region ’ s decarbonization goals while leveraging existing heating system infrastructure and supporting consumer choices ,” said Dave Glendon , president and CEO of Sprague . “ Low-carbon liquid fuels offer the greatest potential for meaningful , near-term reduction in emissions , and we believe that Biofine ’ s process is an innovative approach to supporting Maine ’ s forest products ’ economy and renewable energy goals .”
Earlier this year , Biofine announced a long-term lease at the Lincoln Technology Park and identified a significant supply of forestry residuals that qualify for valuable Cellulosic Biofuel credits under the Federal
Renewable Fuel Standard program .
Biofine has worked over the last decade to commercialize the EL production process , an effort funded in part by the Maine Technology Institute ( MTI ) and augmented through a collaborative research and development effort at the University of Maine-Forest Bioproducts Research Institute ( UMaine- FBRI ). Under the direction of Fitzpatrick and Chief Development Officer Mike Cassata , Biofine has assembled a team to demonstrate the technology and prepare for industrial-scale production .
A key participant in this development is Portland , Maine-based Treadwell Franklin Infrastructure Capital ( TFIC ), a partner in BDNE , acting as a development agent to advance multiple biorefinery projects producing EL and co-products on an industrial scale utilizing sustainably harvested forestry residuals .
Biofine is the exclusive licensee of intellectual property and patents at the core of the EL production process . EL ’ s beneficial technical qualities , including its clean-burning and coldtemperature handling properties , have led The National Oilheat Research Alliance ( NORA ), National Energy and Fuels Institute ( NEFI ), and the Maine Energy Marketers Association ( MEMA ) to support and embrace EL as a pathway to decarbonize the heating oil supply .
Under the terms of the agreement , Sprague will facilitate the commercialization of EL through its commitment to purchase and market EL produced from Biofine ’ s first production facility .
“ We at Biofine are looking forward to a lengthy , productive , and cooperative relationship with Sprague to establish a truly sustainable fuels industry ideally suited to Maine and the Northeast ,” stated Dr . Fitzpatrick . “ Sprague ’ s national reach and market expertise make them an ideal partner for Biofine .”
“ We ’ ve been impressed with Biofine ’ s approach to the waste-to-fuel challenge ,” said Dave Glendon . “ We look forward to assisting them reach the scale necessary to bring this product to customers throughout the Northeast , dramatically reducing the carbon emissions of heating fuels . With a long history of introducing and marketing clean fuels , we believe that Sprague is well-positioned to advance Biofine ’ s goals for the growth of this innovative product .”
Biofine owns a proprietary technology that enables the economical production of high-value renewable biofuels , biochemicals , and biochar from
Biofine says its proprietary technology enables economical production of high-value renewable biofuels .
cellulosic residues , including non-food feedstock such as low-quality forestry waste , agricultural residues , and postconsumer wastepaper / cardboard . Biofine is developing a commercial biorefinery in Lincoln , Maine , based on the ongoing collaborative research and development work at the University of Maine . Biofine is a wholly privately-owned corporation based in Portland , Maine .
Sprague Resources LP purchases , stores , distributes , and sells refined petroleum products and natural gas . Sprague also provides storage and handling services for various materials , including wind energy components . An early adopter , Sprague became a Biodiesel Board Certified BQ-9000 Marketer in 2006 . Sprague received the international Sustainability Impact Award in 2020 for its thin film solar panels on a liquid fuel tank in South Portland , Maine . l FON
12 SEPTEMBER 2023 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com