HutanBio, a UK climate technology firm has announced a major breakthrough in clean fuel production. The company focused on sustainable energy, revealed on May 8 that its process for making HBx, a new type of microalgal biofuel, results in net-negative carbon emissions. This means the fuel’s production actually removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, reports Biodiesel Magazine.
The findings were confirmed through a detailed environmental assessment by EcoAct, a respected international consultancy that specializes in sustainability. The analysis showed that producing one tonne of HBx removes as much as 1.48 tonnes of carbon dioxide, depending on the location. Across its planned sites in Morocco, the Middle East, and Western Australia, the average net carbon removal is 5.78 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent for every tonne of fuel produced.
This level of transparency is rare in the biofuels industry, where companies are often criticized for unclear or incomplete carbon accounting. EcoAct’s assessment followed strict international standards, offering third-party confirmation of the results.
HBx is made from a marine microalgae that grows in seawater, using land that isn’t suitable for farming. It doesn’t compete with food production or require freshwater, making it especially promising for transportation sectors that are hard to decarbonize.
Paul Beastall, CEO of HutanBio, said the company hopes to set a new standard for honesty and accuracy in the industry. “By following ISO standards and publishing these results, we are not only validating our own process but helping to set a new benchmark for industry transparency,” he said.
Among the three regions assessed, Morocco emerged as the most efficient site due to local energy availability and shorter supply routes. The study also noted that switching to renewable electricity could reduce emissions from production by more than five times compared to using fossil fuels.
James Ibberson, HutanBio’s chief technical officer, emphasized the importance of measuring every step of the production process. “Our approach is to measure everything, optimise what we can, and be completely transparent about the results,” he said.
EcoAct’s CEO, Stuart Lemmon, praised HutanBio for its commitment to science and openness. “Their net-negative carbon profile represents exactly the kind of breakthrough innovation needed in hard-to-abate sectors,” he said.
HutanBio plans to begin building a commercial pilot facility in early 2026. The company is now seeking partners in the transportation industry and climate-focused investors to help scale up the technology.
