Master's Thesis: Catalytic Upgrading of Resin Acids and Sterols for HVO100

Are you interested in catalysis, renewable feedstocks, and the fuels of the future? In this master's thesis project, you will investigate how resin acids and sterols can be upgraded to reduce the aromatic content in HVO100 and contribute to the development of sustainable transportation fuels.

Field of study/Subject

VAROPreem currently produces renewable fuels from feedstocks such as fats, oils, and pyrolysis oil derived from biomass at its refineries in Gothenburg and Lysekil. These feedstocks contain a wide range of chemical compounds that must be converted to meet stringent requirements for product quality and performance. Among these compounds are resin acids and sterols, which are more complex molecules and often more challenging to process than other feedstock components.

To enable increased utilization of renewable feedstocks while maintaining high product quality, new solutions are needed to efficiently convert these compounds. Successful upgrading of resin acids and sterols can help reduce the aromatic content of HVO100, improve fuel properties, and create more robust production processes for future renewable fuels. This thesis project focuses on investigating how these compounds can be selectively and resource-efficiently converted with minimal impact on other refinery processes.

Purpose

The purpose of this master's thesis is to investigate how resin acids and sterols can be converted into fuel components that meet the quality requirements for HVO100. The project focuses on identifying process conditions and catalyst solutions that enable efficient conversion of these more challenging feedstock components while maintaining a high conversion rate for other renewable feedstock constituents.

The work will be carried out through laboratory-scale experiments in which renewable feedstocks are hydrotreated using both existing and modified catalysts. Feedstocks, products, and catalysts will be analyzed and characterized, and the results will be used to evaluate which conditions provide the best product quality and process performance. This project offers the opportunity to combine laboratory work with data analysis while contributing to the development of future renewable fuels.
Thesis Goals
The objective of this master's thesis is to identify catalyst and process solutions that enable efficient conversion of resin acids and sterols into components that meet HVO100 quality specifications. The results are expected to increase understanding of how these feedstock components can be utilized in existing production processes and thereby strengthen opportunities to expand the use of renewable feedstocks in future fuel production.

Scope

30 ECTS credits

Location

Gothenburg. The project will primarily be based at the Gothenburg refinery. VAROPreem does not reimburse travel expenses to and from the refinery.

This project is carried out in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology and utilizes laboratory facilities and expertise available at Chalmers. As the project is largely experimental, regular on-site presence in Gothenburg is required, typically around four days per week. Remote work is therefore limited.

We welcome applications from qualified students from all universities and higher education institutions.

The assignment starts

January or early February 2026, or as agreed.

We offer

You will become an important part of VAROPreem, a workplace characterized by a welcoming atmosphere, trust in employees, and strong opportunities for professional development.

The energy market is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Therefore, we are driven by the purpose of meeting today's energy needs while accelerating the transition toward tomorrow's more sustainable energy solutions. At VAROPreem, you will be given freedom with responsibility and encouraged to take initiative and contribute to the continued development of our business.

Do you have this background?

We are looking for a student pursuing a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering or an equivalent master's-level degree. An interest in catalysis, chemical processes, and sustainable fuel development is considered an advantage.

Is this you?

We believe you are someone who enjoys exploring technical challenges in depth and is motivated by understanding how things work. You are curious, analytical, and enjoy tackling problems that do not always have obvious answers.

As a thesis student at VAROPreem, you will have considerable freedom to drive your work forward while receiving support from experienced colleagues. Therefore, we are looking for a self-motivated individual who takes ownership of their work, shows initiative, and enjoys collaborating with others.

We place great emphasis on your interest in the project, your approach to work, and your willingness to contribute with new perspectives.

Next step

If you have any questions about the thesis, you are welcome to contact:

Olov Öhrman

R&D Manager

olov.ohrman@varopreem.se.

If you are two applicants who want to complete the degree project together, we ask that one of you apply but that you each attach your CV in the application. One CV is added as usual and the other CV you upload under "Additional files" ("Övriga document").

Selection takes place continuously during the advertising period and the degree project may be filled before the application period ends. Please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 27 October 2026. Due to GDPR we only accept applications submitted through the recruitment system.

We look forward to receiving your application!