BTG Biomass Technology

What BTG Biomass Technology does

BTG Biomass Technology Group BV is an independent, privately held Dutch consultancy and research firm headquartered in Enschede, Netherlands, that has specialised since its 1987 privatisation from the University of Twente in the thermochemical conversion of biomass and residues into fuels, energy and bio-based raw materials. The company operates a dual structure: a Consultancy & Project Development group advising companies, governments and NGOs across the biomass value chain (feasibility studies, permitting, subsidy applications such as SDE++, policy studies, technical due diligence, LCA and carbon/CCU advisory), and a Research & Technology Development (RTD) group running dedicated lab- to pilot-scale facilities (fast pyrolysis units at 2–5 kg/h and 100–150 kg/h, high-pressure hydrotreaters up to 250 bar, electrochemical setups, and a 10–15 kWth gasifier).

The company's core proprietary asset is the Rotating Cone fast pyrolysis technology, which has been progressed to TRL 9 with three industrial-scale plants operating via sister company BTG-Bioliquids (customers include Pyrocell in Sweden at ~25,000 t/yr and Alder Fuels in the U.S. Southeast for SAF). A complementary proprietary catalyst and hydrotreatment process for upgrading Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO) into Stabilised Pyrolysis Oil (SPO) and drop-in marine/aviation/road biofuels is commercialised via sister company BTG-neXt on a licensing basis (founded 2019). Other technology offerings include the SmartCHP small-scale cogeneration system on FPBO (world-first 500+ hour continuous engine run, >40% electrical efficiency), the Bio2Match biomass-to-technology matching tool, the Tech4Biowaste Wiki database, and an EU biorefineries dashboard developed with the JRC.

BTG makes money through five streams: (1) fee-based consultancy and project development engagements, (2) contract research at RTD facilities, (3) supply of pyrolysis-based products and chemical-physical analyses (FPBO, SPO, pyrolytic lignin/sugars, torrefied biomass, drop-in biofuels) from a few kg to several hundred kg, (4) technology licensing via BTG-neXt, and (5) conceptual/basic process design services — all quote-based and project-priced. BTG has executed more than 1,000 successful projects across 80+ countries and is an active participant/coordinator in numerous EU Horizon projects (Tech4Biowaste, FertiCovery, GREENSPIRE, SCALE-UP, ALIGNED, GenB, MUSIC), reinforcing its position as a recognised bioeconomy expert with strategic proximity to EU policy formation.

Name

BTG Biomass Technology

Legal name

BTG Biomass Technology Group BV

Website

https://btgworld.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BTG Biomass Technology Group is a Dutch consultancy and R&D firm specialising in the thermochemical conversion of biomass into fuels, energy and bio-based raw materials. It serves private companies, governments and NGOs across 80+ countries, commercialising its Rotating Cone fast pyrolysis technology via sister companies BTG-Bioliquids and BTG-neXt.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bioenergy & Biomass Conversion Services

NAICS

Biomass Electric Power Generation (221117), Chemical Manufacturing (325), Cyclic Crude, Intermediate, and Gum and Wood Chemical Manufacturing (325194), Steam and Air-Conditioning Supply (22133), Steam and Air-Conditioning Supply (221330)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991), Steam & Air-Conditioning Supply (4961), Industrial Process Furnaces & Ovens (3567)

akta.pro primary industry

Biomass Plant EPC & Integration (Design/Build, Balance of Plant) (EUAAAGAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Bio-based Platform & Commodity Chemicals (e.g., bio-ethylene, bio-propylene, bio-BTX, bio-methanol) (EUAAAIAA), Biomass & Waste-to-Energy Plant EPC (EUAEAAAI), Biomass Plant Operations, Maintenance & Performance Services (O&M) (EUAAAGAI)

Keywords

• Biomass conversion consulting
• Fast pyrolysis technology
• Advanced biofuels R&D
• Bioenergy project development
• Thermochemical conversion research

Headquarters

HQ city

Enschede

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consultancy & project development fees: Fee-based advisory and project development services to private companies, governments and NGOs, including technical/financial feasibility studies, biomass resource assessments, permitting, business plans, subsidy applications (e.g., SDE++), policy studies, due diligence, and carbon credit/CCU advisory. Engagement-based, typically project-priced.
2. Contract research (RTD): Third-party contract research at BTG-RTD's dedicated research laboratory, covering hydrotreating, high-pressure catalytic processing, liquid–liquid extraction, sub- and supercritical water processing, electro-catalytic processing and thermochemical conversion of biomass/residues, from lab to pilot scale.
3. Supply of pyrolysis-based products and samples: Sale of products manufactured on BTG's test facilities — fast pyrolysis oil, advanced biofuels and intermediates, pyrolytic lignin, pyrolytic sugars and torrefied biomass — in quantities from a few kg to several hundred kg. Product specifications can be tailored to customer demand; chemical-physical analyses are also offered.
4. Technology licensing (via sister company BTG-neXt): BTG-neXt, a sister company of BTG, brings BTG-derived proprietary catalyst and upgrading technology to market on a licensing basis, enabling production of drop-in biofuels from FPBO.
5. CO2 / carbon credit advisory (Jİ, CDM, VCS, Gold Standard VER): Carbon consultancy service helping clients obtain carbon credits via systems such as VCS, Gold Standard VER and CDM, plus development of CO2 capture, storage and utilisation (CCU) projects (SDE++-stimulated in NL).
6. Conceptual & basic design services: BTG-RTD supplies or supports conceptual and basic designs for chemical processes, with specific expertise in conversion of biomass and residues and their upgrading to multiple products. Priced per project.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion6 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

BTG Biomass Technology Group provides specialised consultancy, project development, and contract research services for the conversion of biomass into fuels, energy, and bio-based raw materials. It operates two business units — Consultancy & Project Development (advising companies, governments and NGOs on feasibility, permitting, subsidies, policy, and due diligence across 80+ countries) and Research & Technology Development (RTD), which develops and tests thermochemical conversion processes such as the proprietary Rotating Cone fast pyrolysis technology and downstream upgrading, scaled from bench to pilot and commercialised through sister companies BTG-Bioliquids and BTG-neXt.

Product overview

BTG Biomass Technology Group operates a dual business-unit architecture: (1) a Consultancy & Project Development group providing services (advising companies and governments, project development, sustainability/LCA analyses, policy studies, CO2/CCU advisory, due diligence, and information/branding) for the private and public sectors with hundreds of projects across 80+ countries; and (2) an RTD (Research & Technology Development) group that develops new processes and products based on thermochemical conversion of biomass and residues, with a particular focus on fast pyrolysis. The two units are deeply intertwined: RTD-developed technologies such as the SmartCHP system, the 'Rotating Cone' fast pyrolysis technology (commercialized via spin-off BTG-Bioliquids producing FPBO), and the upgraded drop-in biofuel technology (commercialized via spin-off BTG-neXt producing SPO and drop-in biofuel) are supported in the market by the Consultancy unit, which provides feasibility studies, technology assessments, due diligence, and project development services. BTG also operates the Bio2Match tool (biomass-to-technology matching), the Tech4biowaste Wiki database, the ALIGNED LCA framework, and the EU bio-refineries dashboard as supporting data products. Specific tangible products available for purchase include FPBO, SPO, drop-in biofuel, pyrolytic lignin, pyrolytic sugars, and torrefied biomass.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BTG-Bioliquids: Sister company (spin-off) that commercialises BTG's rotating cone fast pyrolysis technology; develops and supplies fast pyrolysis bio-oil (FPBO) production plants.
• BTG-neXt

Products and services

• BTG Consultancy & Project Development Advisory and project development services to private companies, governments, and NGOs covering technical and financial feasibility of biomass conversion, due diligence, permitting, subsidy applications (e.g., SDE++), policy studies, CO2/CCU advisory, and full project development from idea to implementation.
• Research & Technology Development (RTD) Services Contract research services for third parties using BTG's dedicated research laboratory, covering hydrotreating, high-pressure catalytic processing, liquid-liquid extraction, sub- and supercritical water processing, electro-catalytic processing, and thermochemical conversion of biomass and residues, from lab to pilot scale.
• Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO) Liquid product from fast pyrolysis in which organic materials are heated rapidly to 450-600 °C in the absence of air. Sold from BTG test facilities in quantities from a few kg to several hundred kg with specs tailored to customer demand; used as feedstock for upgraded biofuels, heat and power, syngas/hydrogen, and bio-based products.
• Stabilized Pyrolysis Oil (SPO) Upgraded form of FPBO produced using proprietary catalyst and hydrotreatment process; can be co-fed in a Fluid Catalytic Cracker (FCC) at much higher ratios than untreated FPBO. Commercialised through sister company BTG-neXt.
• BTG-neXt Drop-in Biofuel Technology Licensing Licensing of proprietary catalyst and hydrotreatment technology to upgrade FPBO into Stabilised Pyrolysis Oil (SPO) or drop-in biofuel compatible with marine distillate fuels (MGO/MDO) and for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) applications, via sister company BTG-neXt.
• SmartCHP Cogeneration System Small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) system based on a modified diesel engine running on Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO) from agroforestry residues and organic waste. Electrical efficiency >40% and overall energy efficiency ≥85%. Developed within the Horizon 2020 SmartCHP project with ABATO Motoren B.V.
• Pyrolytic Lignin Pyrolysis-derived lignin product available from BTG's test facilities for third-party research and evaluation; supply amounts from a few kg to several hundred kg with specifications adjustable to customer demand.
• Pyrolytic Sugars Pyrolysis-derived sugar product used as a wood modification treatment to replace fossil creosotes; studied in the Groengoud project where BTG performed a full Life Cycle Assessment showing significantly lower environmental impacts than fossil-based creosotes.
• Torrefied Biomass Torrefied biomass product available from BTG's test facilities for third-party research and evaluation; recognised as an Intermediate Bioenergy Carrier in the MUSIC project for market uptake in metallurgical and transport fuel sectors.
• Conceptual & Basic Process Design Services Supply of or support for conceptual and basic designs for chemical processes, with specific expertise in conversion of biomass and residues and their upgrading to multiple products. Priced per project.
• CO2 / Carbon Credit Advisory Carbon consultancy service helping clients obtain carbon credits via systems such as VCS, Gold Standard VER and CDM, plus development of CO2 capture, storage and utilisation (CCU) projects (SDE++-stimulated in NL).
• Bio2Match Decision-Support Tool Online tool developed by BTG that matches biomass crops (lignocellulosic, oil, fibre, speciality) with suitable conversion technologies for heat, electricity, biofuels, or bio-based materials, indicating pre-treatment needs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 85–89% reduction in CO2 emissions via pyrolysis-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), validated in BTG's pre-commercial pilot feasibility study with SkyNRG.
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, mid and minor.

• BTG BioliquidsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpin-off company originating from BTG, commercialises BTG's proprietary fast pyrolysis technology. Together with BTG, it has taken fast pyrolysis from infancy to TRL 9, with three industrial-scale plants in operation (Malaysia, Empyro Hengelo NL, Finland, Sweden). BTG Bioliquids develops pyrolysis production plants via EPC partner TechnipEnergies; serves customers such as Pyrocell (Setra/Preem JV) and Alder Fuels.
• BTG-neXtflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister company of BTG founded in 2019; brings BTG-derived proprietary catalyst and upgrading technology to market on a licensing basis to produce drop-in biofuels (marine, road, SAF) from Fast Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO). Built on BTG's pyrolysis IP; develops a demo plant in Enschede to offer customised feedstock and end-product test campaigns.
• SkyNRGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with SkyNRG on a feasibility study for a pre-commercial pilot installation in the Netherlands to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via fast pyrolysis; combines innovative stabilisation and upgrading of pyrolysis oil with ASTM-certification work. Potential CO2 reduction of 85–89% vs fossil jet fuel.
• ABATO Motoren B.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development partner in the EU-funded SmartCHP project to modify an internal combustion (diesel) engine to run on Fast-Pyrolysis Bio-Oil (FPBO). Achieved a world-first 500+ continuous-hour engine run on FPBO+10% ethanol, followed by a 3-day pure FPBO run. SmartCHP engine delivers >40% electrical efficiency and ≥85% overall efficiency.
• Alder FuelscoreTechnology or IntegrationBTG Bioliquids' fast pyrolysis technology selected by Alder Fuels for the first Alder Greencrude (AGC) processing facility in the U.S. Southeast, part of Alder's plan to produce 1 billion gallons of SAF and other low-carbon fuels/chemicals. BTG Bioliquids is the pyrolysis provider; Alder uses Honeywell UOP's refining expertise downstream.
• TechnipEnergiescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partner for BTG Bioliquids' commercial fast pyrolysis plants (e.g., Empyro in Hengelo, Pyrocell in Gävle, the Alder Greencrude facility in the US Southeast).
• University of TwentecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTG originated from the Faculty of Chemical Technology of the University of Twente and was privatised in 1987. The academic footing continues to underpin BTG's research and technology development (RTD) capability, including close cooperation with universities and research institutes on in-house development of processes and products.
• Pyrocell AB (Setra & Preem JV)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerJoint venture between Setra and Preem that built Sweden's first commercial pyrolysis oil plant in Gävle (production started Sept 2021) using BTG Bioliquids' fast pyrolysis technology. Annual output ~25,000 t/yr non-fossil pyrolysis oil (equivalent to fuel use of ~15,000 passenger cars), refined into renewable diesel and petrol at Preem's Lysekil refinery.
• Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European CommissioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMulti-year collaboration providing bioeconomy data and analysis for the EC's Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy, including market info on EU bio-based chemicals, the biobased value chains report, and the chemical/material biorefineries dashboard (298 EU biorefineries). BTG acts as bioeconomy expert contributing to JRC publications.
• nova-Institut GmbHmidStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner (with BBEPP) in the BBI JU / Horizon 2020 'Tech4Biowaste' project coordinated by BTG (April 2021 – mid-2023). Together they developed a Wiki-style database of bio-waste valorisation technologies for technology providers and users.
• BBEPP (Belgian BioEconomy Project Partners)midStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner (with nova-Institut) in the BBI JU / Horizon 2020 'Tech4Biowaste' project coordinated by BTG (April 2021 – mid-2023); co-development of the bio-waste technologies Wiki.
• Advanced Biofuels Coalition LSBcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry coalition of leading advanced-biofuels technology developers and producers advocating for EU climate and energy targets (Fit for 55, RED II/III, ReFuel EU Aviation, Fuel EU Maritime). BTG is an active member and has held Executive Committee positions within the coalition.
• GoodFuelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-presenter at the MUSIC hybrid seminar (Brussels, 24 Nov 2022) on the use of sustainable biofuels in shipping; part of BTG's broader pyrolysis-oil shipping ecosystem engagement.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of FinlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-presenter at the MUSIC hybrid seminar on marine application of pyrolysis oil; VTT participates in pyrolysis-oil shipping/aviation ecosystem events alongside BTG.
• WIP Renewable EnergiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerModerator (Rainer Janssen) of the roundtable discussion at the MUSIC hybrid seminar in Brussels (24 Nov 2022); partner in organising bioenergy events and conferences (e.g., EUBCE).
• GenB project consortium (bioeconomy education)midStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTG is the leader of the GenB project component 'Inspire, Inform and Educate', running GenB activities for Dutch target groups (4–8, 9–12, 13–19 year olds, teachers, multipliers). Project started November 2022; 25 activities organised across Europe by June 2023.
• SCALE-UP bioeconomy consortiummidStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTG is a project partner in the SCALE-UP bioeconomy project (kick-off Sevilla, Oct 2022) supporting six European rural regions in upscaling biobased solutions from olive residues, food waste, tree needles, etc. Contact at BTG: Martijn Vis.
• ALIGNED project consortium (LCA for biobased sectors)midStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTG acts as the bridge between academic and industry partners in the ALIGNED project, improving Life Cycle Assessment methodologies for five biobased sectors (construction, woodworking, textiles, chemistry, pulp & paper). ALIGNED released its Description of Scientific Methods report in 2024.
• GREENSPIRE project consortiummidStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTG kicked off the GREENSPIRE project on 08 Jun 2026 together with 9 other partners.
• MUSIC project consortium (Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers)midStrategic or Co-development PartnerPatrick Reumerman of BTG presented the MUSIC project at the Brussels hybrid seminar; BTG participates in the project's case studies on torrefied wood, pyrolysis oil and microbial oil; in-person progress meeting in Umeå (Sweden), Sept 2022.
• FertiCovery project consortiummidStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon Europe project FertiCovery kicked off in Enschede on 23 Jan 2025; BTG Consultancy coordinates the project, advising policymakers and stakeholders on alternative fertilising products (nitrogen, phosphorus recycling) in line with the EU Soil Strategy for 2030.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BTG Bioliquids: Spin-off sister company of BTG that commercialises BTG's Rotating Cone fast pyrolysis technology. Develops and supplies FPBO production plants via engineering partner TechnipEnergies and is the primary vehicle through which BTG's pyrolysis IP reaches industrial-scale deployment (e.g., Pyrocell, Alder Fuels).
• BTG-neXt: Sister spin-off (founded 2019) that brings BTG's proprietary catalyst and hydrotreatment process to market on a licensing basis, upgrading FPBO into Stabilised Pyrolysis Oil and drop-in biofuels for marine, aviation and road transport. Operates from BTG's Enschede campus.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Public applied-research institute that co-presents with BTG at pyrolysis-oil events (e.g., the MUSIC hybrid seminar in Brussels) and operates pilot-scale thermochemical conversion and upgrading facilities for biomass and residues — a direct counterpart to BTG's RTD business unit in Northern Europe.
• TNO: Dutch applied research organisation (incorporating the former ECN) with deep bioenergy, pyrolysis, and biorefinery capabilities. Comparable to BTG in its Netherlands base and in offering contract research, pilot facilities and policy/sustainability advice for biomass-to-fuels and bio-based chemicals.
• DBFZ (Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum): German national biomass research centre focused on thermochemical and biochemical conversion of biomass into fuels, heat, power and bio-based products. Closely comparable to BTG's RTD activities in fast pyrolysis, hydrotreatment and bioeconomy advisory work for EU public-sector clients.
• Ensyn: Canadian company that commercialises RTP™ fast pyrolysis technology for the production of pyrolysis oil from forest and agricultural residues for heat, power and refining applications. Direct competitor to BTG-Bioliquids in the industrial-scale pyrolysis-oil market.
• SkyNRG: Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) developer and supplier with which BTG collaborated on a pre-commercial pyrolysis-to-SAF feasibility study (85–89% CO2 reduction, ASTM certification in progress). Comparable in SAF pathway focus and EU policy engagement, and an active partner/customer of BTG's pyrolysis technology.

Emerging players

• Anellotech: U.S. company developing catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) technology to convert biomass into BTX aromatics and fuel blendstocks. Comparable to BTG/BTG-neXt as a biomass-to-fuels technology developer, though focused on chemical products rather than transport fuels.
• Sunfire: German company developing Power-to-Liquids/e-fuels and high-temperature electrolysis for synthetic fuels and chemicals. An emerging player in advanced renewable fuels whose e-fuel pathway competes with BTG's pyrolysis-to-drop-in-biofuel route for the same SAF/marine regulatory demand under RED II/III and Fuel EU Maritime.

Broad incumbents

• Neste: Global leader in renewable diesel and SAF (HEFA pathway) and a major biofuel refiner. A broader incumbent in advanced biofuels whose commercial-scale refining capacity, offtake relationships and regulatory engagement dwarf BTG's, but who competes for the same renewable-fuel demand pool that BTG's pyrolysis-upgrading pathway addresses.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/btgworld
• YouTubeyoutube.com/btgworld
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1574447

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about BTG Biomass Technology