October 10, 2024 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- VTTI, a global leader in energy infrastructure, has partnered with Connex, a prominent renewable feedstock trader, to develop a cutting-edge pretreatment facility for renewable feedstocks, or “greenstocks,” at VTTI’s terminal in Amsterdam. The new Greenstock Pretreatment Facility is set to process over 400,000 tonnes of renewable feedstocks annually and is scheduled to become operational by 2027.

The GPF will offer services for the storage, blending, and pretreatment of renewable feedstocks like used cooking oil, animal fats, and other advanced waste residues. These feedstocks will be processed into essential components for the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel , providing customers with enhanced options for sustainable fuel production in Northern Europe.

This collaboration merges Connex’s expertise in renewable feedstocks trading with VTTI’s proficiency in energy infrastructure, storage, and logistics. Connex, based in Rotterdam, specialises in trading sustainable materials such as used cooking oil, animal fats, and other advanced waste products that are vital in biofuel production. Meanwhile, VTTI operates large-scale energy infrastructure globally, including storage terminals and regasification facilities, and plays a key role in liquid bulk energy storage.

At its Amsterdam terminal, VTTI will provide 70,000 m³ of dedicated tank storage for the project, offering operational flexibility with advanced infrastructure for loading, discharging, and ensuring top-tier quality control. The collaboration will give customers access to a comprehensive range of services, from feedstock aggregation and blending to full pretreatment, preparing these sustainable materials for biofuel production.

Bram van Santen, corporate director of Connex, emphasised the importance of the project in addressing the growing demand for sustainable fuel production:
“The demand for feedstocks to produce SAF and HVO is expected to triple in the coming years. The Greenstock Pretreatment Facility’s strategic location near refineries and major transportation hubs positions it perfectly to meet this demand. Effective pretreatment is crucial to producing cleaner fuels for the future.”

Jaap Koomen, senior vice president and head of country for VTTI in the Netherlands, highlighted VTTI’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy: “At VTTI, we aim for 50 percent of our earnings to come from sustainable and transitional energy sources by 2028. The Greenstock Pretreatment Facility will be a vital step in achieving this. In Amsterdam, it will complement our ongoing efforts to ensure that at least 50 percent of our terminal’s energy comes from renewable sources by 2025, contributing to the Port of Amsterdam’s goal to be one of Europe’s most sustainable ports by 2030.”

The new facility will operate using the latest energy-efficient technologies, supporting both sustainability and operational efficiency. Currently, the site is undergoing preparations for permitting and construction, with the facility poised to play a key role in supporting the energy transition in Europe.

This collaboration between VTTI and Connex underscores their shared commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and driving the global shift towards cleaner fuel production.