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3w ago

Vaasa Research Confirms Waste-Derived Drop-In Fuels Slash Engine Emissions

Hissa’s work confirms drop-in fuels from crude tall oil and recycled lubricants cut engine smoke, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulates, with infrastructure and economic barriers awaiting resolution before her public defence

Researcher Michaela Hissa from the University of Vaasa demonstrated that fuels refined from waste and industrial by-products can help reduce emissions in existing engine applications.
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Overview

  • Laboratory and engine-blend tests showed that renewable naphtha cuts smoke emissions; marine gas oil lowers hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels; both fuels achieve significant reductions in harmful particulates.
  • The drop-in classification allows existing marine and off-road engines to operate on these blends without significant modifications, which supports sectors where electrification and hybridization cannot yet meet high-power demands.
  • Findings were released by the University of Vaasa in mid-August as part of Hissa’s Acta Wasaensia 558 dissertation ahead of her public defence on 20 August 2025.
  • Renewable naphtha originates from crude tall oil by-products of the pulp industry, and marine gas oil is refined from used lubricating oils classified as hazardous waste.
  • Large-scale adoption hinges on building collection and refining infrastructure and achieving cost-competitive production and pricing against conventional diesel.