Bitumen Beyond Combustion: Seeking Non-combustion Uses for Asphaltenes Derived from Bitumen

An integrated energy company is seeking novel opportunities to utilize asphaltenes derived from bitumen. Approaches should provide a valuable end product and have a clear path to scale to consume large volumes of asphaltenes. Improvements upon previously identified uses of asphaltenes are also within scope. The team are open to all innovative approaches at any stage of development.

Approaches of Interest: 

• Novel non-combustion uses for asphaltenes. 
• Improvements upon existing uses for asphaltenes (carbon fiber, asphalt binder, waterproof concrete, etc.) will also be considered provided that the benefit over current technologies is clear. 
• Simpler processes with fewer processing steps are preferred, but all processes will be considered. 
• Approaches should have the potential for large‑scale application.

Out of Scope: 

• Applications that do not provide distinct advantages over technologies that are already available. 
• Opportunities which are not cost-effective or have no clear path to scale. 

Developmental Stages of Interest: 

• Opportunities at all stages of development are of interest. 
• Theoretical applications will be considered but should have a clear path to scale. 

Submission Information: 

Submission of one-page, 200–300-word briefs is encouraged, along with any optional supplementary information e.g. relevant publications. In submitting to this campaign, you confirm that your submission contains only non-confidential information. Submissions from small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) will also be accepted.

Opportunity for Collaboration: 

Our client is open to a range of collaboration opportunities, with the most appropriate outcome being decided on a case-by-case basis. Example outcomes include research collaborations and pilot opportunities.