Our R&D activities within biorefining and bioenergy include energy densification of biomass, biomass conversion into solid and liquid biofuels, co-production of fibre materials and bio-chemicals, as well as new products derived from hemicelluloses, lignin and pyrolysis liquids.

Within thermochemical conversion, one research topic at RISE PFI is pyrolysis oil production using fast pyrolysis technologies. We have established a unique catalytic fast pyrolysis process development unit. Another research topic is production of biocarbon with tailored properties for different applications, including use as reductant for the metal industries, as soil improver and as activated biocarbon for filter and cleaning purposes.

As to chemical or biochemical conversion, RISE PFI has focus on developing new pretreatment technologies for efficient separation of hemicelluloses and lignin, as well as their conversion into high value-added products.

A unique pretreatment reactor system has been established at RISE PFI. This reactor system allows testing of solvent-based extraction of wood polymers at high temperatures for short retention times.

RISE PFI coordinates “NorBioLab: Norwegian Biorefinery Laboratory”, a national research infrastructure for Bioenergy and Biorefinery Research in Norway.