Road to the oil refiner on blue sky in sunset time

Release here

Written by Ulrik Frøhlke | Jan 23, 2024 7:30:05 AM

  • Topsoe has signed a licensing and engineering agreement with Preem to provide its HydroFlex™ technology for renewable fuels production in Sweden.
  • Preem invests in revamping a major IsoCracker unit at its refinery in Lysekil, Sweden. The unit will utilize Topsoe technology and have a capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters per year (22,000 barrels per day) for the production of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. The expected start of production is 2027.
  • The partnership builds on years of cooperation between the two parties to produce renewable fuels, including at Preem’s refinery in Gothenburg.

Topsoe, a global technology and solutions provider for the energy transition, has signed a licensing and engineering agreement with Preem, Sweden’s largest fuel company, to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, using Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ technology.

The demand for SAF is rapidly growing. According to the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Scenario, over 10% of fuel consumption in aviation by 2030 needs to be SAF to stay on course for net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. In 2022, the International Air Transport Association estimated global SAF production to make up only around 0.1% to 0.15% of total jet fuel demand.

At Preem’s lysekil refinery in Sweden, Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ technology will be utilized in Preem’s IsoCracker (a unit that breaks down molecules into lighter components. Topsoe will thereby supports Preem’s long-term target of producing five million cubic meters of renewable fuels and achieving a climate neutral value chain by 2035. Once the revamped Lysekil refinery starts operating in 2027, Preem will become one of Northern Europe’s biggest producers of SAF.

The partnership builds on years of cooperation with Preem to produce renewable fuels, including at Preem’s refinery in Gothenburg. Together, Topsoe and Preem will work to increase production of renewable fuels, SAF included.

Elena Scaltritti, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, said:
“Society needs a significant upscaling of renewable fuels for aviation. We’re excited to take another step on the path to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector and aviation in particular. Together with Preem, we already have a proven track-record of delivering impactful results within renewable fuels production, and we’re looking forward to continuing working with Preem on this important task.”

Peter Abrahamsson, Director of Sustainable Development at Preem, said:
“We’re thrilled about the revamp of Lysekil refinery, which is one of the most significant climate investments in Sweden. The demand for sustainable aviation fuels is increasing rapidly, and we are already in dialogue with several major airlines. With this investment, Preem takes another decisive step in the transition from fossil to renewable production. We’re happy to continue working with Topsoe on increasing renewable fuels production.”

What is HydroFlex™

With HydroFlex™, customers can convert various fats, oils and greases into drop-in renewable jet and diesel that meet all globally accepted specifications for these fuels. Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ can be deployed in both grassroots units and revamps for co-processing or fully renewable applications.


About Preem
PREEM is Sweden’s largest fuel company. Preem’s refineries in Gothenburg and Lysekil account for about 80 percent of the Swedish refinery capacity and approximately 35-40 percent of the Nordic capacity. Together, they have a total refining capacity of over 18 million cubic meters per year. Our vision is to lead the transition toward a sustainable society. By 2035, Preem has set a goal to produce 5 million cubic meters of renewable fuels, and to achieve climate neutrality across the entire value chain. We refine and sell fuel, heating oil and lubricating oil as well as other products to companies and individuals. Most of our products, almost 60 percent, are exported to nearby markets mainly north-western Europe. We have a nationwide service network with over 500 filling stations for private and commercial traffic. Preem AB has around 1,500 employees, of which 1,100 work at our refineries. In 2022, Preem’s turnover was SEK 161 billion.


About Topsoe
Topsoe is a leading global provider of technology and solutions for the energy transition. We combat climate change by helping our customers and partners achieve their decarbonization and emission reduction goals.  

Based on decades of scientific research and innovation, we offer world-leading solutions for transforming renewable resources into fuels and chemicals for a sustainable world, and for efficient and low-carbon fuel production and clean air. 

We were founded in 1940 and are headquartered in Denmark, with over 2,800 employees serving customers all around the globe. To learn more, visit www.topsoe.com.


For more information, please contact:
Ulrik Frøhlke, Media Relations Manager
Phone: +45 27 77 99 68 
Mail: [email protected]

By RCDEA