About ToFuel
ToFuel is a Horizon Europe research project developing an integrated and efficient biorefinery concept to convert waste streams from tomato production and processing into Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), animal feed, fertiliser and nutritional oil.
By transforming these residues into renewable fuel and valuable bio-based products, the project supports the decarbonisation of aviation while creating new value streams for the agricultural sector. It combines advanced processing technologies, carbon capture and circular resource management to deliver a carbon-neutral and economically viable solution.
From field to fuel
Large volumes of tomatoes are cultivated and processed across Europe each year. Significant quantities of residual biomass are generated, including plant material and processing by-products. ToFuel identifies these residues as a renewable resource rather than waste.
Tomato pomace, consisting mainly of seeds, peels and fibrous material, is typically underutilised. The project collects and characterises this biomass to ensure it can be efficiently processed within a decentralised and scalable biorefinery concept.
The collected residues are processed through an integrated biorefinery system that converts biomass into lipid intermediates suitable for fuel production. The concept focuses on high carbon efficiency, circular resource use and closed water cycles, ensuring that no waste streams leave the process.
The recovered lipids are upgraded into Sustainable Aviation Fuel that can contribute to replacing fossil jet fuel. In addition to SAF, the process produces fertiliser, animal feed and nutritional oil, maximising value from the original biomass and supporting a circular bioeconomy approach.
Core technologies
All key technologies are demonstrated at Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL 5), preparing the system for industrial uptake and scale-up.
Biomass fractionation
Tomato residues are processed through extrusion and hydrothermal liquefaction to unlock fermentable and lipid-rich fractions.
Microbial lipid production
Engineered microorganisms convert sugars into lipids under robust and adaptable conditions.
Algae-based carbon capture
CO₂ generated during processing is captured and utilised through algae cultivation, increasing overall carbon efficiency.
Lipid purification and upgrading
Lipids are purified and catalytically upgraded via the HEFA route into Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Water management and simulation
Closed water cycles, advanced membrane systems and full process simulation ensure efficient resource use and no fresh water demand during operation.
