From biomass to sustainable aviation fuel: Valmet advances green energy collaboration

Valmet strengthened its commitment to sustainable industrial development at the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen, China, where the company showcased its expertise in enabling the transition to renewable energy and low-carbon solutions.

Aki Niemi introduced Valmet's technology at the China-Finland Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting.

As one of the guest countries of Honor at this year's CIFIT, Finland was represented by a delegation led by Finland's Minister of Economic Affairs, Sakari Puisto. The delegation brought together Finnish companies and institutions to explore new opportunities for economic and technological cooperation between Finland and China.

Advancing industrial transformation through innovation

Representing Valmet, Aki Niemi, Executive Vice President, Global Supply, participated in the event and introduced Valmet’s technology at the China-Finland Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting. Under the theme “Advancing Industrial Transformation Towards a Sustainable and Regenerative Future,” he highlighted how Valmet helps customers improve operational efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and accelerate their sustainability ambitions through advanced technologies and lifecycle solutions.

Aki Niemi introducing Valmet's technology.


Supporting a major sustainable fuel initiative

A significant milestone during the event was the signing of a Letter of Intent for the Fujian Kemen Port integrated energy project, which aims to combine the production of 1.2 million tons of black pellets with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development. Zhu Xiangdong represented Valmet at the signing ceremony alongside representatives from One Power and Morimatsu Group.

The project highlights the growing role of biomass-based solutions in the decarbonization of energy and transportation systems. By bringing together expertise from across the value chain, the initiative seeks to create an integrated pathway from biomass feedstocks to black pellets and ultimately sustainable aviation fuel.

Pretreatment technology enables high-quality black pellet production

At the heart of Valmet's contribution to this development is BioTrac, the company's pretreatment technology designed to upgrade woody biomass and agricultural residues into high-quality black pellets. The process uses medium-pressure saturated steam to modify the biomass structure, followed by rapid pressure release and fiber defibration.

This pretreatment process improves the fuel characteristics of the biomass, increasing its calorific value while enhancing hydrophobicity. After pelletizing, the result is a dense and durable black pellet with improved grindability and fuel performance.

Compared with conventional white pellets, black pellets offer several advantages, including:

  • Higher energy density
  • Improved water resistance
  • Better handling and storage properties
  • Enhanced suitability for coal replacement and gasification applications
  • Strong potential as a low-carbon fuel solution

 

Building partnerships for a sustainable future

Valmet's participation at CIFIT reflects the company's continued commitment to supporting customers and partners in their transition toward more sustainable energy systems. Through technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and renewable fuel solutions, Valmet is helping shape a future where industrial growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Back to top