[ Markets listing ](/en/core-markets-0 " Markets listing") **At Veolia Water Technologies we offer comprehensive water and wastewater treatment and management solutions that play a key role in transforming waste into sustainable biofuel. Our expertise supports producers of biodiesel, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and ethanol, enabling the responsible production of alternative fuel sources that meet energy needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.** [CONTACT US TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact-web2lead) ## Environment and profitability: challenges faced by biofuel producers ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/07/Air-particles-icon-3.png.webp?itok=O1XSODZd) ### Fighting against greenhouse gas emissions. ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/07/CO2-Emissions-icon.png.webp?itok=r_UX5g4p) ### Producing alternatives to fossil fuels. ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/07/Envionment-icon-2.png.webp?itok=wZYAfNVt) ### Complying with environmental regulations. ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/07/Optimisation-icon-2.png.webp?itok=Jr7XKNZF) ### Optimizing sustainable profitability. ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2021/07/Safety-icon-1.png.webp?itok=1JOh_-mp) ### Ensuring industrial process safety. ## How Veolia is committed to helping biofuel producers Our technical solutions, know-how and focus on water cycle, sustainability and overall environmental footprint can help the biofuel industry in its efforts to **optimize the environmental and economical benefits of biofuel production and use.** At Veolia Water Technologies we are [Resourcers](https://www.veolia.com/en/careers/be-part-ecological-transformation) and have developed solutions and expertise to help you meet your environmental and sustainability goals. As a leader in technological innovation for sustainable development, we have a keen understanding of the process for producing biofuels and their link with water, waste and energy. **We are experienced in supporting various biofuel sectors such as:** - Ethanol - Renewable diesel - Sustainable aviation fuel - Biodiesel Our portfolio of technologies includes solutions to help you **optimize and de-risk your water cycle:** - Optimize your freshwater abstraction and process water production via state-of-the-art, high-recovery and/or [reuse](/en/applications/reuse "Water reuse") options. - Minimize your water footprint. - Minimize and treat/manage your residues. - Provide you with cost-effective and complete water treatment systems ![Man using biodiesel - renewable diesel for Biofuels market](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/media/public/image/2021/07/Biofuels.jpg.webp?itok=ex2PKVID) ![Biofuels plant, a alternatives to fossil fuels](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/media/public/image/2021/09/sl-biodiesel-104.jpg.webp?itok=n5_XwdTH) ![Man in a biofuel plant - worker in a biofuel company picture](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/media/public/image/2021/09/sl-biodiesel-079.jpg.webp?itok=mtmS2BXB) ## Adaptable solutions for all biofuel players Biofuel production is a growing market to help offset the demand of fossil fuels and improve environmental sustainability. Our researchers and engineers are experienced in the various stages of biofuel production and in developing and implementing technologies that help producers manage their water and [wastewater](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") needs. From raw water treatment, cooling tower systems, makeup water and blowdown treatment systems to wastewater treatment, as well as comprehensive evaporation processes, water network maintenance, spent caustic treatments and [sludge](/en/applications/sludge-treatment "Sludge treatment") treatment, we have aligned our products and services to meet the demands of your industry. We also offer efficient processes for isolating and harvesting usable by-products such as greases, which can be transformed into fuels to create value while treating wastewater. We will help to decrease the amount of pollution generated by effluents and bring treatment practices into line with regulations. ### Hydrotreated vegetable oil pre-treatment unit residues Our water and waste management expertise offers a sustainable solution for the biofuels industry, specifically addressing Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) production residues. By implementing on-site treatment, we transform a disposal problem into the production of a valuable resource, eliminating off-site transportation needs. We use the organic matter of the residues to generate biogas, a sustainable energy source. The biogenic methane in the biogas can replace fossil fuels in various industrial applications, including hydrogen production, steam generation, power and heat cogeneration, direct process heating and syngas production. When harnessing this sustainable energy source, industries can significantly reduce their energy costs and fossil fuel dependence, decarbonizing their operations for a desirable and sustainable energy future. [PDF Sustainable handling or renewable diesel and SAF production residues (1.04 MB) ](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/document/2025/03/veolia-brochure-renewable-diesel-102024.pdf) **Cathy Fuchs, Water Specialist for the Global Energy Market, Veolia.** *By converting “waste” into energy, Veolia turns a problem into an opportunity and promotes resource efficiency. Our mission is underpinned by circular economy principles and it’s our mission to enhance the overall sustainability of biofuel producers.* ### Process and utility water We improve the quality of a plant’s incoming water ([**process** ](/en/applications/process-water "Process Water")and [**utility water**](/en/applications/utility-feed-water "Utility Feed Water")) through a number of different approaches. We help tailor the quality of a plant's make-up water quality through the use of Veolia’s standardized equipment, using various ion exchange, filtration and membrane technologies. We also produce clarified water by pretreatment, using [Actiflo®](/en/technologies/actiflo "ACTIFLO®"). We also produce purified water, demineralized water and osmosis water for the creation and supply of boilers and cooling towers. Our technologies below are used to help improve utility equipment performance and a plant’s water footprint: - [**Sirion™**](/en/solutions/technologies/sirion "SIRION™"), reverse osmosis and high-recovery RO. - [**Filtraflo™**](/en/technologies/filtraflo "FILTRAFLO™"), a complete range of modular and flexible skid-mounted media pressure filters. - [**Rapid Strata™**](/en/solutions/technologies/rapide-strata "RAPIDE STRATA™"), high-purity industrial deionizers. ### Evaporation process technologies Our high performance [**HPD Evaporation & Crystallization technology** ](https://www.veoliawatertech.com/en/solutions/technologies/hpd-evaporation-crystallization)concentrates feedstocks by up to 50% and reduces energy requirements for the drying stages. We also provide smaller, standardized evaporators through our [**Evaled™**](/en/solutions/technologies/evaled "EVALED®") specialized product line. In an increasingly competitive sector, Veolia Water Technologies can also offer our bioethanol industrial partners innovative solutions to facilitate the operation of ethanol evaporation plants. ### Wastewater Our proprietary technologies are specifically designed to remove biological oxygen demand (BOD) / chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), oils, nutrients, and other contaminants that are commonly found in the wastewater stream. Our technologies can also take advantage of biofuel opportunities by isolating and harvesting usable greases to transform them into fuel, for instance. This allows us to create value while treating wastewater. - [**Biothane®**](https://www.biothanesolutions.com/) anaerobic technologies are designed to treat wastewater, converting pollutants into biogas. - [**Sulfothane™**](/en/solutions/technologies/sulfothane "SULFOTHANE™") is used to remove sulfur from biogas produced by anaerobic digestion systems to very low levels. - [**MemGas™**](/en/solutions/technologies/memgas "MemGas™") is another biogas purification technology that is able to remove carbon dioxide and other contaminants to create a methane quality that is acceptable for pipeline-injection or other final uses. - **Biomet™** is a pragmatic modular approach designed specifically for the treatment or co-digestion of sewage wastewater sludge, agricultural by-products, organic waste and biomass. It extracts the maximum energy from waste in the form of biogas to subsequently electricity and heat, with maximum stability and control of operation. - [**AnoxKaldnesⓇ Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)**](/en/solutions/technologies/anoxkaldnes-mbbr "AnoxKaldnes™ MBBR ") is an aerobic biological process where biofilm grows on carriers suspended in wastewater. The system removes pollutants in a cost-efficient way and is used across almost all sectors of municipal and industrial markets. - [**Biosep® / Neosep™**](/en/products/biosep-neosep "Biosep™ / Neosep™ ") biologically treats wastewater effluents by removing organic contaminants and creating a high-quality effluent from industries and public authorities. This innovative solution combines membrane processes for water treatment and activated sludge treatments. ### Product Recovery We have developed[ **TiPSS™**](/en/solutions/technologies/tipss "TiPSS™") standardized solutions addressed for oily water separation. The API gravity separator can be customized in a short time to answer our client's specifications. 80% to 90% of the oil will be separated through gravity separation. After de-watering and some basic treatment steps, the skimmed oil can be reused to make biodiesel, soap or animal feed — a real source of valorization. These technologies are a key part of our sustainable development expertise. The circular economy is a pillar of our business, thanks to our proprietary water technologies. ## Biofuel producers that trust Veolia ![](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/show_case_card/public/image/2021/09/push-picture.png.webp?itok=E-02FdAb) Cooling tower microbiological clean-up UNITED STATES When an ethanol plant in northern Indiana, USA, experienced microbiologically-based fouling in their 28,000 gallon per minute cooling tower system, they turned to Veolia’s Hydrex chemical solutions to efficiently fix the issue. [Learn more](/en/case-studies/cooling-tower-microbiological-clean-up) ## Discover our water treatment technologies for the biofuels industry [ ![Man working in front of a Filtraflo unit](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2025/09/Filtraflo-push.jpg.webp?itok=YonDX8_H) ### Filtraflo™ Filtraflo™ constitutes a complete range of modular and flexible skid-mounted media pressure filters, for municipal and industrial applications Adsorption - Extraction ](/en/technologies/filtraflo) [ ![HPD® evaporation and crystallization](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2023/11/hpd_herobanner_292x224.png.webp?itok=A__HG0pW) ### HPD® evaporation and crystallization Large-scale, highly-integrated process solutions utilizing evaporation and crystallization. Evaporation - Distillation - Crystallization ](/en/solutions/technologies/hpd-evaporation-and-crystallization) [ ![Sulfothane - automated process to remove highly-corrosive sulphur compounds from biogaz](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/vwt_product_content_push/public/image/2021/07/Sulfothane-push.jpg.webp?itok=qS2bKsw7) ### Sulfothane™ Sulfothane™ is a desulfurization technology that cleans biogas for use as a sustainable, green energy source while recovering elemental sulfur compounds for reuse. Biogas and Odour Treatment ](/en/solutions/technologies/sulfothane) #### [**SEE ALL OUR TECHNOLOGIES**](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/solutions/technologies?f%5B0%5D=market%3A211) Biofuel companies face unique water challenges caused by variations between feedstocks, substrates, or specialized production methods. We understand these issues and can help you meet your regulatory, sustainability, and production objectives. ![Photo de Jack Kuhar](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/default/public/image/2025/03/Jack-Kuhar_0.jpg.webp?itok=lvVHOvii) ## Jack Kuhar, P.E. PMP- Director of operations and engineering **Contact Jack through his** [**LinkedIn account**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-kuhar-86b37a4?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) ### Would you like more information about our technologies for the Biofuels industry? [CONTACT AN EXPERT](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact) ## More services for our biofuels clients [ ![Hubgrade Digital Services, screen shot of results](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2021/02/Hubgrade-Essential-4.jpg.webp?itok=Tq2FJn0W) ](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade Digital Services") [Hubgrade Digital Services](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade Digital Services") A combination of digital tools and Veolia expertise that make all your water processes smarter, safer and more sustainable. [Learn more](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions) [ ![Man walking near Hydrex Chemicals cans](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2021/04/Hydrex-push.jpg.webp?itok=qE6wsNax) ](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs "Water Treatment Chemical Programs") [Water Treatment Chemical Programs](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs "Water Treatment Chemical Programs") Providing water hygiene and HYDREXⓇ chemical solutions serving the performance of utility and water treatment equipment. [Learn more](/en/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs) [ ![Service man controlling valves](/sites/g/files/dvc2476/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2019/06/Service.jpg.webp?itok=hm8uob12) ](/en/services/installed-base-services "Installed Base Services") [Installed Base Services](/en/services/installed-base-services "Installed Base Services") Providing best-in-class water treatment services tailored to your exact needs to optimize the operational performance of your facility. [LEARN MORE](/en/services/installed-base-services) ## FAQ about water solutions for biofuels production ### What is a common challenge in the treatment of wastewater at biofuel facilities? The biggest challenge when treating wastewater at a biofuel facility is being able to handle the large fluctuations related to the flows and characteristics of the wastewater. These fluctuations are most commonly caused by varying feedstocks and production seasonality. It's important to install a wastewater treatment facility that can be flexible to handle these variations, while still being easy to operate. ### What are some of the main causes for scaling within the evaporators at a biofuel facility? The presence of calcium oxalate and other hard scales in evaporators and heat exchangers can require excessive acid use and frequent, costly maintenance for cleaning. To minimize the overall cost of operations and increase both system reliability and efficiency, chemical dosing using Veolia’s Hydrex® additives, which include a proprietary blend of inhibitors and dispersants, will help prevent mineral scaling and reduce organic fouling. Additionally, it can prevent the use of dangerous acids used to remove scaling and improve overall system efficiency. ### What are the most typical water reuse applications at biofuel production facilities? Depending on the quality of the wastewater effluent, it may be able to be treated further using membrane filtration technologies. However, one of the most cost-effective reuse opportunities at a biofuel facility is to reclaim and treat evaporator condensate or cooling tower water. After removing impurities from this water, it may be able to be reused in the utility water loop. This will result in a reduction of a facility’s total water footprint and reduce the flow of water to the wastewater treatment plant. ### What are the challenges faced by biofuel manufacturers with Hydrotreated vegetable oil / Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HVO/HEFA) pre-treatment residues? The feedstock pre-treatment systems in HVO / HEFA production generate residues that pose significant challenges, including wastewater with high organic content that overloads existing refinery treatment plants, spent bleaching earth with high vegetable oil content, and highly concentrated acid gums that are difficult to manage. Current practices, which typically only consider onsite treatment for wastewater, necessitate off-site disposal for other residues, incurring additional costs and environmental impacts. Our innovative onsite treatment solution for HVO / HEFA production residues addresses these challenges by reducing handling and transportation costs, recovering resources through biogas production, and lowering the overall environmental footprint.