HutanBio has announced the formation of its Technical Advisory Board (TAB), bringing together three distinguished experts from the global energy sector. This step aligns with the company’s goal to break the reliance on fossil fuels for long-distance transportation by utilizing its innovative HBx sustainable fuel technology.
Dr. John Archer, CSO of HutanBio, commented, “Establishing our Technical Advisory Board is a significant affirmation of HutanBio’s vision and technology. The decision of these industry leaders to join us is a strong endorsement of the potential for HBx technology to reshape sustainable aviation and marine fuels. Their guidance will be invaluable, offering real-time expertise to help accelerate our progress toward market introduction.”
Dominic Emery, with more than 30 years of experience in the energy sector, brings invaluable expertise to the advisory board. Having served as Chief of Staff at BP until 2022, where he played a key role during one of the company’s most transformative phases, he now focuses on advancing the energy transition. Dominic advises large energy companies, start-ups, and consultancies, and holds senior fellowships with the World Economic Forum, Mission Possible Partnership, and Cambridge University Judge Business School. He also serves on the boards of three companies.
In addition to his extensive career at BP, Dominic was the founding CEO of OGCI Climate Investments, a $1 billion fund established by leading oil and gas companies to accelerate carbon-reducing technologies. A geologist by training, he holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and an MA from the University of Oxford. Dominic’s deep technical knowledge and strategic insight will be critical in advancing HutanBio’s sustainable biofuel solutions.
“There’s a significant gap in low-carbon fuels for hard-to-abate transportation sectors,” Emery stated. “HutanBio’s innovative approach offers a compelling solution. I’m excited to contribute strategic insights into customer segments and techno-economic pathways. Our goals are clear: secure early customers, drive revenue, and unlock long-term opportunities in key demand sectors, ultimately positioning HBx as the leading biofuel for challenging transportation industries.”
Professor Alex Routh, an expert in colloid science and a Professor at the University of Cambridge, joins the Advisory Board to support process engineering decision-making. He holds an MEng and BA in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge and earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University. Professor Routh has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the 2025 Graham Lecture Award and the IChemE Davidson Medal for his contributions to early-career mentorship.
Professor Routh’s expertise in chemical engineering and physical chemistry makes him an ideal advisor for refining HutanBio’s biofuel production processes. “Biofuels are essential for the future energy landscape,” Routh said. “To maximize their impact, we need to address purification and allocation challenges—issues that require data-driven engineering solutions.”
Paul Beckwith, with over 40 years in biofuels and renewable energy innovation, offers strategic insights into market development. His experience includes leadership roles at BP and Butamax Advanced Biofuels. “HutanBio’s independence from agricultural and power value chains offers significant advantages,” Beckwith noted. “The challenge lies in optimizing biotechnology and production processes to remain cost-effective while gaining acceptance for HBx as a sustainable biocrude feedstock for sectors like aviation and shipping.”
HutanBio is poised to disrupt the fuel supply market and make a significant impact on transport decarbonization. The company plans to locate its bio-reactor farms near high CO₂-emitting industries, such as cement production, as it requires CO₂ as a feedstock for its algae-based fuel.
Founded in 2019 after a decade of research and the discovery of the rare microalgae species HBx, the company has unlocked algae’s potential as a low-carbon fuel—successfully overcoming the challenges that have hindered previous efforts. HutanBio has already demonstrated its ability to produce a high-energy-density, low-carbon, sulphur-free bio-oil, positioning itself to meet growing market demand.
With the recent UK SAF mandate and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) emissions reduction goals for 2030 and 2050, HutanBio’s technology is ideally placed to meet regulatory requirements and market needs. Industry forecasts predict the SAF market could reach £2.5bn by 2030, with marine sustainable fuels expected to grow in tandem as shipping companies strive to meet IMO targets.
HBx biofuel boasts a light environmental footprint. Unlike other energy crops, it doesn’t require freshwater and is grown in enclosed bioreactors on barren, unproductive land, making it scalable without competing with agriculture or depleting fresh water supplies. This sustainable approach minimizes environmental impacts and avoids contributing to deforestation.
Dr. Peter Collins, Board Chair, emphasized the importance of these expert insights, stating, “The caliber of professionals we’ve attracted highlights the revolutionary potential of HBx technology. These leaders have been at the forefront of global energy transitions, and their guidance will be crucial as we position HBx as the sustainable fuel of choice.”
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