SCOOP – Sustainable Co-Processing of Challenging Raw Materials

Enabling lower-emission transport through advanced co-processing technology

Transport remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels and is a major source of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Neste uses advanced processing technologies to convert low-quality and challenging raw materials, such as waste and residues, into high-quality renewable fuels at its refineries, enabling customers to reduce their emissions.

The SCOOP project (Co-Processing of Challenging Raw Materials) focuses on enabling the production of advanced biofuels from tall oil–based raw materials, aiming to reduce GHG emissions in transport by replacing fossil fuels. 

The project is funded by a grant from the European Commission’s Innovation Fund. The grants are financed through revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). 

Developing new pathways for tall oil utilization

Crude tall oil is a residue from pulp production based on pine wood. It is listed in Annex IX A of the EU Renewable Energy Directive and is eligible for use in the production of advanced biofuels.

However, tall oil–based materials present technical challenges in refining due to their properties, such as high acidity and impurity content which can limit their use.

The SCOOP project aims to enable the co-processing of tall oil–based raw materials with other feedstocks and their integration into refinery operations at Neste’s Porvoo refinery in Finland.

The objective is to convert the tall oil–based materials into advanced biofuels and renewable feedstocks for the polymers and chemicals industry while utilizing existing refinery infrastructure.

Co-processing development at industrial scale

The SCOOP project is designed to demonstrate the co-processing technology at the Porvoo plant, one of Europe’s most versatile refineries, with experience in processing raw materials with varying properties.

The solution is planned to be integrated into refinery operations, subject to a final investment decision.

Expected production and emissions impact

The project is expected to enable the production of approximately 61,000 tons of advanced biofuels per year.

Based on project estimates, the use of these fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97% compared to fossil-based alternatives, depending on the methodology, system boundaries, and end-use.

The project is projected to contribute to approximately 1.77 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emission reductions in transport over the first ten years of operation from 2030, compared to fossil fuels.

These figures illustrate the potential scale of emissions reductions achievable by replacing fossil fuels with renewable alternatives.

The project also includes electrification solutions to reduce emissions related to process heating in refinery operations.

Contribution to policy objectives and industry development

The SCOOP project supports the ongoing development of refinery operations in Porvoo by enabling the integration of additional raw material streams into existing processes.

The project contributes to European policy frameworks, including:

• The Renewable Energy Directive (RED), through Annex IX A feedstocks

• The European Green Deal

• Emissions reduction targets in road, marine, and aviation transport

The project is also expected to contribute to local economic activity, including construction-phase employment and jobs during operations.

Project information

• Project name: SCOOP – Sustainable Co-Processing of Challenging Raw Materials

• Coordinator: Neste Oyj

• Location: Porvoo, Finland

• Sector: Refineries / Energy-intensive industries

• Start date: May 1, 2025

• Expected entry into operation: December 31, 2029

• Expected output capacity: 61,000 tons/year

• Expected emissions avoidance: 1,773,715 tons CO₂ equivalent

• Innovation Fund grant: EUR 28 million

Disclaimer

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Further information

Neste Media Service Tel. +358 800 94025 Email: media@neste.com

_{Sources: * IEA, World Energy Outlook 2024 ** Statista, 2023 data}