Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-06"
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- Production of sustainable aviation fuel precursors using the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides PYCC 5615 cultivated on eucalyptus bark hydrolysatePublication . Saraiva Lopes da Silva, Maria Teresa; Dutra, Francisca; Gomes, Miguel; Costa, Paula; Paradela, Filipe; Ferreira, Frederico Castelo; Torres Faria, Nuno Ricardo; Mugica, Paula; Pinheiro, Helena M.; Sá-Correia, Isabel; Gírio, Francisco; Marques, SusanaABSTRACT: Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) obtained from renewable sources of carbon can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contribute for mitigating climate changes. In the present study, the yeast Rhodotorula toruloides PYCC 5615 was found to be highly promising for the bioconversion of eucalyptus bark hydrolysate and the accumulation of intracellular lipids which were further thermochemically processed to bioenergy intermediaries for SAF production. Two growth medium formulations were tested. Eucalyptus bark hydrolysate, obtained by steam explosion followed by enzymatic hydrolysis, was supplemented with yeast nitrogen base medium or with corn steep liquor and mineral medium. The latter produced the highest fatty acid content and productivity (30 % w/w and 0.11 g/ (L.h) respectively). Thereafter, the whole yeast biomass (WB) and the de-oiled biomass (DOB), obtained after lipid extraction, were processed into Bio-crude using a hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) reactor, with a yield of approximate to 40 % (w/w). The two obtained Bio-crude fractions and the yeast lipids fraction (YL) were further upgraded by hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), to remove oxygen atoms and increase the hydrocarbon content, resulting in a Bio-crude composed of linear long-chain fatty acids suitable for processing to SAF. The best Bio-crude characteristics was observed for WB and YL fractions, with 34.8 % and 40.7 % of hydrocarbons, respectively. Both WB and YL hydrocarbons were composed of C15-C17 compounds. These results demonstrate the potential of an integrated process based on microbial oils from R. toruloides PYCC 5615 to produce SAF precursors from Eucalyptus bark residues, contributing for the sustainable jetfuel bioproduction process.
- Portugal Offshore Wind, Green Hydrogen, and Sustainable Fuels: Power-to-X PathwaysPublication . Simoes, Sofia; Portillo, Juan C. C.; Simões, Teresa; Estanqueiro, Ana; Catarino, Justina; Costa, Paula; Oliveira, Paula; Ribeiro Pinto, Paulo Jorge; Lopes, Fernando; Lopes, Tiago; Gano, António; Duarte de Castro Fontes, Maria MargaridaABSTRACT: Portugal has a vast coastal area and significant offshore wind resources. The country has set ambitious targets and designated specific areas for offshore wind development. Current national policies are actively encouraging investment in these projects. This report compiles the latest strategies for offshore wind and green hydrogen in Portugal. It introduces the Power-to-X (P2X) concept, explores potential offshore wind-based P2X business models, and outlines the key processes and technologies involved. It also maps potential consumers of green hydrogen, along with the associated supply chains for hydrogen and sustainable fuels. A techno-economic analysis was conducted to identify viable pathways for Portugal. This involved selecting one of the planned offshore wind zones and, based on its location and potential capacity, determining the optimal onshore site and scale for a hydrogen and sustainable fuels hub. The report presents a comparative evaluation of seven scenarios, offering valuable insights for both public and private sector stakeholders.