Case study
Syntech Biofuel:
Leading the way as part of the renewables revolution
Part of Phoenix Sustainable Investments since 2022, Syntech Biofuel is pushing the boundaries of waste to energy, turning organic waste oils, including used cooking oil, into high-grade biofuel.
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Starting out in 2016 with two plants focused on micro-electrical generation. Syntech Biofuel developed technology to allow the processing of waste vegetable oil into advance biofuel. Used in 8500kVA generators this biofuel feeds renewable and sustainable power into the National Grid.
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Syntech’s Biofuel can also replace fossil-derived diesel in combustion engines, improving emissions and air quality and helping tackle environmental and public health issues linked to pollution. With Syntech’s biofuel, carbon emissions are reduced by 86% compared to regular fossil diesel.
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As well as electrical generation and road transportation, Syntech is also working with the construction, maritime and heating sectors to explore the potential for biofuel usage.
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Scalable solution
Phoenix Sustainable Investments’ involvement has allowed Syntech Biofuel to set out ambitious plans to scale the technology into a national solution.
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With the aim for Syntech to provide regional energy hubs within the national freeport system, the first stage is to upgrade the original Kingsnorth site to a working prototype of what could be rolled out at other regional hubs. Once complete, capacity at Kingsnorth would increase from 4m to 12m litres per year – all used to power an upgraded 4.5w connection to the grid.
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A second phase will see an additional 12m litre capacity added for use by Non-Road Mobile Machinery. With the lower Thames Crossing project just 10 miles away, this could mark a step change in sustainable fuel provision for major infrastructure works.
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Pathway to a decentralised power network
Decentralising the power network will be crucial if the UK is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase energy security. It’s also an important factor if the UK is to successfully transition to greater use of electric vehicles, as the requirement for charger access and theload on the network will continue to increase.
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Syntech’s technology is ideally placed to support this ambition, facilitating communities to operate small scale energy production. This approach would support local investment and reduce the costs of transmission and distribution, as well as ensuring a reliable power supply for rural communities and reducing pressure on aging grid infrastructure.
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Syntech Biofuel is leading the way as part of the renewables revolution and, together with other companies within the group, is determined to leave a positive legacy for future generations.