Alder has been selected for the Shell GameChanger Accelerator, powered by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). This collaboration brings together Shell’s refining expertise and NLR’s research capabilities to independently validate Alder Renewable Crude, advance integration with existing petroleum refineries, and accelerate commercialization of lower-carbon transportation fuels from biomass residues.
Alder has been selected to participate in the eighth cohort of the Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (GCxN), an initiative supporting emerging energy technologies with strong commercial potential. The collaboration will focus on evaluating the integration of Alder Renewable Crude (ARC) into existing petroleum refining operations and characterizing the performance of resulting renewable fuel products.
Alder's proprietary process converts fast pyrolysis oil derived from forestry residues and sawmill waste into a biogenic refinery feedstock. ARC is designed for integration into existing refining infrastructure to produce lower-carbon aviation, marine, and transportation fuels.
"Our goal is to make renewable carbon compatible with the refining infrastructure that already exists," said Derek Vardon, CEO of Alder. "Working with NLR and Shell provides an important opportunity to independently evaluate our technology with experts who understand both advanced biomass conversion and commercial petroleum refining."
The selection supports Alder's ongoing transition from pilot-scale technology demonstration toward commercial refinery deployment. The Shell GameChanger Accelerator combines NLR's research capabilities with Shell's industry expertise to help emerging technologies advance toward practical commercial applications.
Building momentum with technology validation, strategic partnerships, and new projects
Alder has been selected for the Shell GameChanger Accelerator, powered by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). This collaboration brings together Shell’s refining expertise and NLR’s research capabilities to independently validate Alder Renewable Crude, advance integration with existing petroleum refineries, and accelerate commercialization of lower-carbon transportation fuels from biomass residues.
Alder, BASF, National Laboratory of the Rockies, and North Atlantic Refining co-authored a new Hydrocarbon Processing article on coprocessing Alder Renewable Crude in fluid catalytic crackers. The work highlights a practical pathway to produce renewable fuels by integrating ARC into existing refinery FCC units, with improved handling, storage stability, and strong product yields.
Alder SAF100 demonstrated a 100% biogenic jet-fuel blend using hydrotreated Alder Renewable Crude (ARC) as the majority component with a smaller share of HEFA-SAF. Testing showed favorable energy density and low-temperature properties, highlighting the potential for ARC-derived hydrocarbons to support next-generation SAF production.
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