Braya begins renewable diesel production

Canada's Braya Renewable Fuels today launched commercial operations at its renewable fuels plant in Come By Chance, New Foundland and Labrador.

Braya expects to produce 18,000 b/d of renewable diesel, using internally-produced traditional hydrogen. It envisions expanding its diesel capacity to 35,000 b/d and adding sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the future.

It also said it is in the early stages of exploring renewable hydrogen production at the refinery to lower its carbon footprint, but does not have a timeline. Last year it began seeking a supplier of 35,000 t/yr of renewable hydrogen to support its diesel and SAF production, and in March 2023 selected German renewables developer ABO Wind as its preferred supplier.

Braya's ownership group Cresta Fund Management acquired the 130,000 b/d petroleum refinery in 2020 and began work to convert the facility to produce renewable fuels in late 2021. Initially it aimed to produce 14,000 b/d of renewable diesel and targeted SAF production in mid-2022, but a fire in September 2022 postponed startup.

By Emmeline Willey