Research and development

Research and development focusing on both crude oil-based and renewable fuels is crucial in implementing Neste Oil's strategy. Neste Oil's R&D expenditure totaled EUR 42 million (41 million) in 2011.

Extending the company's raw material base is one of the main goals of Neste Oil's R&D work. Around 80% of annual R&D expenditure goes to research on renewable raw materials. Research work is focused on both completely new types of raw materials, such as microbes and algae, and existing materials, such as waste fat from fish processing industry. 

Neste Oil expanded its renewable raw material base with jatropha, camelina, and soybean oils in 2011. Inputs coming from waste and side streams formed approximately 41% of the company’s total raw material procurement in 2011. Neste Oil’s goal is to increase this proportion further. Crude palm oil accounted for 52% of all the raw materials used in renewable diesel production in 2011. 

Neste Oil's R&D played a major role in the start-up of the new NExBTL refineries in Singapore and Rotterdam and during the early stage of production there. R&D work also made it possible to extend NExBTL renewable diesel technology to producing renewable aviation fuel on a commercial scale in 2011.