TECHNOLOGIES | Expander

OUR TECHNOLOGY

Expander Energy's innovation journey has been a deliberate, step-by-step progression, focused on developing robust, reliable, and impactful clean fuel solutions. We build upon proven successes and foundational expertise to create increasingly advanced technologies that transform waste into high-value energy, paving the way for a sustainable future.

FOUNDATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES

EGTL™
The Foundation - Validating Core Synthetic Fuel Product

Our initial work centered on establishing critical expertise in synthetic fuel production. Expander's EGTL™ (Enhanced Gas to Liquids) technology, an innovative process to efficiently convert natural gas into ultra-clean synthetic fuels, was operationally proven in 2022 at Canada's first small-scale Gas-to-Liquids plant.

This foundational phase successfully validated the crucial Fischer-Tropsch fuel synthesis pathway – the "engine" of our liquid fuel production – and provided invaluable operational experience, significantly de-risking our subsequent advancements into renewable feedstocks.

The EGTL™ patent for natural gas to liquids applications (only) was strategically sold to Rocky Mountain Clean Fuels Inc. (Rocky) to facilitate the plant's demonstration. Rocky has operated the Carseland Synthetic fuel facility since 2022.

Flyover of the Carseland EGTL™ facility:

ETI Tar-Free Gasifier
Mastering Clean Synga - The Key to Superior Fuels

Synthesis Gas (Syngas) is a precisely controlled mixture, primarily of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). It acts as a highly adaptable chemical "toolkit." These molecules are the fundamental components that can be catalytically reassembled to create liquid transportation fuels (like our Bio-SynDiesel® and Bio-SynJet®), chemicals, or even electricity. The critical factor is that the source of the carbon and hydrogen in syngas determines the environmental footprint of the final product. Expander is focused on creating syngas from sustainable, renewable biomass.

Our Breakthrough: The Patented ETI Tar-Free Gasifier

A major challenge in converting biomass to fuel has been the formation of unwanted "tars"—sticky hydrocarbons that foul equipment and reduce efficiency. Expander's cornerstone innovation, the patented ETI Tar-Free Biomass Gasifier, masterfully overcomes this.

How it Works: Diverse cellulosic biomass (like wood waste, agricultural residues, or used railway ties) is processed at high temperatures with precisely controlled conditions, breaking it down into its basic chemical components.

The Result – Ultra-Clean Syngas: The ETI Gasifier is specifically engineered to produce an exceptionally clean syngas, virtually free of problematic tars. This is vital for the reliable and efficient operation of the entire fuel production chain.

The Advantage: Starting with clean, tar-free syngas from renewable biomass is the foundation for producing premium synthetic fuels with superior performance and an inherently low carbon footprint. This technology, proven in European power generation, is central to our biomass conversion strategy.

CORE TECHNOLOGIES

From Clean Gas to Premium Fuels

Once high-quality, clean syngas is produced by our ETI Gasifier, we employ the well-established Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis process. This catalytic chemical reaction efficiently reassembles the hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the syngas into the long-chain hydrocarbon molecules that form our Bio-SynDiesel® and Bio-SynJet® fuels.

Advanced Pathways: Achieving Ultra-Low and Negative Carbon Emissions

To maximize fuel yield from biomass and achieve the lowest possible carbon intensity, Expander has developed advanced integrated systems. The syngas from our ETI Gasifier needs an optimal hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio for the FT process. Our EBTL™ and BETL™ technologies provide innovative solutions for this, tailored to different regional strengths.

EBTL™ (Enhanced Biomass to Liquids)
Deep Decarbonization via Carbon Capture

Our patented EBTL™ process is designed for profound emission reductions, achieving near-zero or even net-negative carbon emissions.

How it Works: After biomass gasification, supplemental hydrogen (from recycled process gases via a steam methane reformer) balances the syngas. Crucially, concentrated biogenic CO₂ (absorbed by the biomass during growth) is captured before atmospheric release and permanently stored underground (BECCS – Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Sequestration).

Strategic Impact: EBTL™ is a powerful climate solution, ideal for regions with geology suitable for CO₂ sequestration, typically historical oil and gas producing regions like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and northeastern B.C. in Canada.

BETL™ (Biomass Electrolysis to Liquids)
E-Fuel Innovation

Our patented BETL™ process (co-patented and co-developed with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories) minimizes carbon intensity by integrating "green" hydrogen produced from clean electricity.

How it Works: Biomass is gasified by the ETI Gasifier. Simultaneously, an electrolyzer uses clean electricity (hydro, nuclear, solar, wind) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This green hydrogen is blended with the bio-syngas for conversion into ultra-low carbon e-fuels.

Strategic Impact: This technology is ideal for jurisdictions where Carbon Capture and Sequestration is not available or is uneconomical. Electrolyzers powered by Low Carbon Electricity allows us to produce exceptionally low-carbon intensity fuels. We are actively commercializing BETL™, particularly in regions with abundant clean electricity, leveraging our strategic alliance with CNL.

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

CETL™ (CO₂ Electrolysis to Liquids)
E-Fuel Innovation

Looking ahead, Expander, in collaboration with CNL, is advancing CETL™, a visionary R&D initiative. This patented technology aims to create a circular carbon economy by using captured CO₂ (from industrial sources or direct air capture) and green hydrogen (from an novel co-reforming electrolyzer) to synthesize liquid fuels, transforming CO₂ from a liability into a feedstock.

This is currently at the research and pilot-scale development stage.

OUR INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY SUITE

Expander Energy's technology suite is the product of strategic, phased innovation. From our foundational EGTL™ expertise and the game-changing ETI Tar-Free Gasifier to our advanced EBTL™ (with carbon capture) and BETL™ (e-fuel) systems, we offer a comprehensive and adaptable platform. We are committed to decarbonizing transportation by creating superior clean fuels from sustainable resources.

Our Sustainable Feedstock

Our Fuels

Our Projects