The ATM Project was funded by GARDN to advance the development of biojet fuels in Canada. The key objective of the ATM Project was to demonstrate that thermochemical technologies (fast pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction) and upgrading through hydrotreatment was a feasible and suitable method for biojet fuel production. An integrated analysis of technical, techno-economic and life cycle aspects (using GHGenius) was carried out within the current policy framework.

• 3 biocrudes were sourced from 3 different processes (fast pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction)
• Two labs carried out the upgrading – Canmet-Energy, PNNL
• Two different hydrotreatment methods were used
• Therefore 6 pathways overall were analysed

Biocrudes produced through thermochemical liquefaction technologies, including fast pyrolysis, catalytic pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction can be successfully used to produce a significant volume of biojet fuel. The jet fractions were analysed and demonstrated a high level of compliance with general standards for jet fuel based on ASTM certification.

Assessment of potential emission reductions of these pathways through life cycle analysis demonstrated that significant emission reductions were possible with many of the pathways.