Neste Explores Wastewater and Grease as Sources for Renewable Solutions

Neste Oyj, a Finnish leader in renewable energy and chemicals, is exploring new and unexpected sources for the production of renewable products. The company is focusing on extracting valuable materials from wastewater treatment byproducts and sewer grease deposits, aiming to bolster the circular economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

According to Neste, the efficient utilization of waste and residue streams, in line with circular economy principles, is crucial for developing a low-carbon bio-circular economy. "Developing the supply of waste and residues has many potential benefits," stated Markus Hovi, New Feedstocks Lead at Neste. "From a sustainability perspective, wastes and residues are some of the best raw materials for the production of renewable products. Efficient utilization of wastes and residues is a cornerstone of a circular economy, and producing high-quality products from those materials is one example of that efficiency."

Dr. Patrick Ober from ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) is also participating in the investigation. Together, they are examining available solutions as well as technical, logistical, and legislative hurdles that need to be addressed for the broader adoption of these materials.

The discussion also highlighted two specific examples of waste-based raw materials: palm oil mill effluent (POME) and wastewater-derived grease. The use of these alternative feedstocks can offer more sustainable solutions for the production of renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and plastics and chemicals, among others, while reducing environmental impact.