As part of its “Strategic Transformation Plan,” Tüpraş is implementing investments and projects that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The company aims to develop biofuels by utilizing wet biomass resources suitable for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and marine fuel through the SUNFUSION project, supported by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Program. Purified microalgae and oleaginous yeasts will be converted into biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. The energy required for the process will be provided by solar energy. The project, which began in January 2025 and will last for four years, includes Tüpraş and METU from Turkey, as well as 10 partners from Greece, France, Germany, Norway, and Serbia.
In the last two years of the project, Tüpraş will undertake the analysis and refinement processes of bio-oil obtained through hydrothermal liquefaction, ensuring that these products are ready for industrial use.
Murat Şimşek, Tüpraş Deputy General Manager for Technical Affairs, emphasized the strategic importance of the project with the following words: “As Tüpraş, we are resolutely continuing our Strategic Transformation Journey, which we initiated with the motto, ‘Our Energy for the Future.’ In 2024, we invested a total of 229.3 million TL in R&D, accelerating our innovation and sustainability-focused efforts. Seventeen projects supported under Horizon 2020 were successfully completed, and seven projects supported under Horizon Europe are ongoing. As part of our Strategic Transformation Plan, updated in April 2025, we are focusing on sustainable refining, SAF, zero-carbon electricity, and green hydrogen. We believe that the SUNFUSION project will make a significant contribution to the development of alternative raw materials and technologies for SAF and sustainable marine fuel production. The steps we are taking as we progress towards becoming a leading carbon-neutral energy company by 2050 are the most concrete demonstration that we view R&D and innovation as cornerstones.”
SUNFUSION aims to set new standards in renewable energy technologies, with a target of over 50% energy conversion efficiency from solar energy to biofuels. The project aims to accelerate the green transformation of the transportation sector by supporting the European Union’s 2030 target of 45% renewable energy use.