Montana Renewables, based in Great Falls, Montana, is on the cutting edge of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable fuel production, and has quickly positioned itself as a leader in the North American SAF industry – using Topsoe technology.
Montana Renewables produces 30 million gallons per year – but has its sights on increasing this significantly to around 300 million gallons per year. This impressive target will represent 10% of the U.S. government’s SAF Grand Challenge. But how did a refinery in Montana achieve such groundbreaking results in such a short timeframe?
The Montana Renewables’ story started with an idle 24,000-barrel-per-day catalytic feed hydrotreater and after a detailed study, the solution became clear: they would switch the idle capacity to renewable feedstock and rearrange the refinery to accommodate the production of renewable fuels, specifically SAF.
The process took just 18 months from the initial concept to full implementation. "Most people take 18 months to do the initial study before they actually do any of the work," says CEO of Montana Renewables,
Bruce Fleming. The rapid turnaround was a testament to the team’s systematic approach and the careful
elimination of risks, with Topsoe’s technology at the heart of the project’s success.
The key solution: Topsoe’s HydroFlex™
Montana Renewables needed a technology partner with a proven track record, one that could mitigate risk and provide the tools needed for a smooth process. Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ technology was selected as the ideal solution.
"Chief among possible risks we assessed was: does the technology work? The best way to solve that is to select a technology provider with a proven track record and a history of operating units. Topsoe is head and shoulders above its competitors in that regard," Fleming says.
The installation of Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ catalyst was a straightforward conversion, and the results exceeded expectations.
The outcome
Thanks to our innovative technology, Montana Renewables has been able to quickly produce significant amounts of SAF. This strategic partnership not only secured their current output of 30 million gallons annually but will also enable them to aim confidently for their goal of producing 300 million gallons per year within the next two years.
As Bruce Fleming notes, this achievement highlights the potential of renewable fuels: "This is a mic drop moment — It signals what’s possible." The next phase of the project is already in motion. Montana Renewables has received $1.3 billion from the United States Department of Energy for a revamp that will
allow production to increase to 300 million gallons of SAF per year.