EEIP is pleased to announce its participation in ToFuel, a newly launched EU-funded research and innovation project that aims to chart new territory in sustainable aviation fuel production. Through its project office, EEIP is once again contributing its extensive expertise in energy efficiency, sustainable energy systems and market uptake to a high-impact European initiative.
Turning Agricultural Residues into Climate-Friendly Aviation Fuel
Coordinated by Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), ToFuel focuses on the conversion of tomato processing residues into climate-friendly aviation fuel. The project’s objective is to develop a waste-free, CO₂-neutral and economically viable biorefinery concept capable of supporting the defossilisation of air transport.
Addressing Aviation Decarbonisation through Sustainable Energy Innovation
Aviation remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. The availability of sustainable aviation fuels at scale and at competitive cost is a decisive factor. At the same time, Europe generates significant volumes of residual biomass from agriculture and food processing that remain underutilised. Tomato production alone creates large amounts of plant residues and processing waste, much of which is currently disposed of or incinerated at cost. ToFuel directly addresses this inefficiency by turning a problematic waste stream into a strategic energy resource.
Integrated Biorefinery Technologies for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Within the project, tomato residues are processed through advanced fractionation technologies and biotechnological pathways to produce lipids and bio-oils, which are then upgraded into aviation fuel using the HEFA process. Alongside fuel production, the integrated biorefinery concept also delivers fertilisers, animal feed components and nutritional oils, ensuring maximum resource efficiency and minimal waste.
Strong European Consortium Driving Sustainable Aviation Solutions
The project officially starts on 1 January 2026 and brings together eleven partners from seven European countries. The consortium includes Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) as coordinator, the Portuguese research institute Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia (LNEG), the University of Zagreb, Vienna University of Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology in Finland, the University of Leoben and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Industry partners Mutti and Podravka contribute tomato residues and extensive expertise in plant-based raw material processing. The project is supported by ESEIA, which contributes to commercialisation and dissemination activities.
EEIP’s Role in EU Projects on Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Aviation
EEIP’s role in ToFuel builds on its long-standing track record in EU-funded projects at the intersection of energy efficiency, sustainable energy, industry and policy. In this project, EEIP contributes to commercialisation planning, dissemination and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that technical results are translated into market-relevant outcomes and aligned with European climate and energy objectives.
Supporting Europe’s Path to Climate-Neutral Aviation
By joining ToFuel, EEIP continues to expand its engagement in innovative energy transition projects and extends its work into the aviation domain, while remaining firmly anchored in its core strengths. This project reflects EEIP’s commitment to practical, economically sound solutions that improve energy efficiency, enable sustainable energy systems and support Europe’s path to climate neutrality.
