IBTC member Yilkins has successfully completed the Site Acceptance Test (SAT)
IBTC member Yilkins has successfully completed the Site Acceptance Test (SAT) for its torrefaction and pelleting line at the Tokuyama Corporation facility in Yamaguchi, Japan. The milestone marks an important step in demonstrating the performance of torrefaction technology under real operational conditions.
The successful SAT confirms that the installation performs in line with its design specifications. At the core of the project is the conversion of a difficult-to-handle agricultural residue into high-quality, energy-dense pellets. This not only highlights the technical robustness of the system but also demonstrates how challenging biomass streams can be transformed into reliable industrial energy carriers.
The project is the result of a close collaboration between Yilkins and Tokuyama, built on a shared ambition to advance practical and scalable solutions for industrial decarbonisation. By validating the technology in an operational environment, both partners contribute to bridging the gap between innovation and real-world application.
Rob Voncken, CEO of Yilkins, emphasises the significance of the milestone: “We have demonstrated that challenging biomass streams can be converted into consistent, high-quality fuel solutions. This project shows how collaboration can accelerate tangible progress toward decarbonization.”
Tokuyama also underlines the importance of the results for future development. Executive Officer Yuji Inoue states: "The SAT results provide a solid foundation for continued evaluation and development of technology."
Next phase
The next phase of the project will focus on integrating an additional treatment step to produce pellets with enhanced hydrophobic properties. These upgraded materials are designed to improve storage stability and handling, particularly under outdoor conditions.
This development is especially relevant for the Japanese market, where climate conditions place specific demands on material performance across the supply chain. The next phase is expected to be completed in Q3 2026.
More Information: https://yilkins.com
