Sumitomo SHI FW (SFW) has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Finnish research organisation VTT for syngas reforming technology to be deployed across SFW’s gasification plants globally.

The licensed technology enables the production of clean syngas from non-recyclable biowaste, including woody and agricultural residues and municipal biowaste. Syngas is a key feedstock for producing sustainable fuels and chemicals used in decarbonising sectors such as shipping and aviation.

Using SFW’s gasification platform alongside VTT’s reformer technology enables the conversion of residual biowaste into liquid fuels, including green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), supporting use in current propulsion systems and infrastructure.

Tomas Harju-Jeanty, CEO of SFW, said: "With this agreement, our long cooperation with VTT continues on a very positive path. Our joint work on renewable transportation fuels began more than 15 years ago with a liquid fuel demonstration project. The technology is now ready for commercial use for SAF, carbon-neutral maritime fuels and other sustainable fuels and chemicals."

VTT began developing syngas reforming technology in the 1990s, while SFW delivered its first biomass gasifiers in the 1980s. An industrial-scale liquid fuel plant in Finland has demonstrated the combined technologies using a range of biowaste streams, including forest industry by-products and residues.

Kalle Härkki, CEO of VTT, remarked: "This agreement shows how VTT works with industry to bring decarbonisation technologies to market. Through this licence, our combined experience becomes available to SFW's customers for commercial sustainable fuel projects."

Under the licensing agreement, SFW and VTT have also agreed to a programme of joint development and testing aimed at improving gasification performance and syngas yields to support the production of low-carbon fuels and chemicals.