Houston, Texas USA – August 31, 2026 – Axens, a global leader in sustainable refining and biofuels technology licensing and development, today announced that it has been selected by Expander Energy Inc., a Canada-based producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD), to provide its advanced FT Liquid Upgrading technology.
Axens’ technology will support the production of drop-in, second-generation biofuels from cellulosic feedstock through Expander’s patented Enhanced Biomass to Liquids (EBTL®) and Biomass Electrolysis to Liquids (BETL®) processes.
The technology is expected to be deployed first at Expander’s two commercial developments in Canada:
• Wheatland Bio-Synfuels Facility, near Calgary, Alberta
• Mackenzie Biomass Derived E-Fuels Facility, in northern British Columbia
Both projects are progressing through key regulatory and financing milestones, with final investment decision (FID) targeted for December 2026.
Beyond the initial project awards, Expander Energy has also selected Axens as its strategic upgrading technology provider for a broader portfolio of SAF and Arctic renewable diesel developments. The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing commercially viable pathways for lower-carbon, drop-in fuels.
Axens is honored to have been selected by Expander Energy as the licensor and supply partner for the FT Liquids Upgrader for the Wheatland and Mackenzie biomass-to-fuels projects. As Canada and markets around the world accelerate the adoption of second-generation fuels, Axens is ready to support this growth by leveraging its extensive hydro-upgrading portfolio and proven expertise in advanced fuels production.
Expander is pleased to work with Axens to ensure that the final-stage processing of its Bio-SynDiesel® and Bio-SynJet® fuels reliably meets the rigorous technical specifications required by the industrial transport and aviation industries. Our team has worked with Axens over the years and values its proven expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to delivering high-quality process solutions that support the production of advanced, low-carbon fuels.
About Axens
The Axens Group (www.axens.net) offers a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass into cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics, natural gas treatment and conversion options, water treatment and carbon capture. Their offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility studies to start-up and monitoring of units throughout their lifecycle. This unique position guarantees optimum performance and a reduced environmental footprint. Axens' international offering is based on highly qualified human resources, modern production facilities and an extensive global network for industrial, technical support and sales services. Axens is an IFP Energies Nouvelles Group company.
To find out more, visit our website, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Contact press: press@axensgroup.com
About Expander Energy, Inc.
Expander Energy, Inc. is a Canadian-based producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Renewable Diesel, developing projects based on its patented Biomass Gasifier, EBTL® and BETL® process to advance the production of drop-in, second-generation biofuels from forestry and agricultural residues..