Research and development

Research and development has always been at the core of our operations. We develop solutions to increase the use of renewable raw materials for renewable fuels.

86 MEUR

R&D expenditure in 2024

> 2,200 patents

Our patent portfolio covers the most relevant technology assets developed by our R&D teams

> 3,000

Samples of different raw materials assessed over the past decade

Thousands of patents and hundreds of R&D experts enabling pioneering work

Our experts know how to turn low-quality raw materials into high quality solutions.

We ensure raw material feasibility by removing impurities and enable best-in-class product performance with strong research and development. Seamless collaboration between researchers, chemical engineers, pilot plant operators and lab technicians in our innovation centers in Finland and Singapore is a key success factor of our innovation and R&D work.

Cutting-edge research across diverse fields

Our research work spans various fronts. The multi-faceted approach ensures that every aspect of our work is backed by thorough investigation and continuous improvement.

We delve into researching raw materials to enable low carbon feedstock
We explore catalysts for improved processes
We dive into product and application research to innovate and meet diverse needs
We conduct analytical research to enable in-depth understanding of the components and conduct systematic quality control to ensure high-quality products

Feedstock and pretreatment

Catalysts and refining

One of the most fundamental areas of know-how in our refineries, are the catalytic processes. Efficient production of modern fuels would be practically impossible without catalysts. Dedicated teams focus on catalysts we use in our refinery and proprietary processes. We also work closely together with specialized catalysts developers, producers and providers.

Catalysts are substances that accelerate and enhance chemical reactions throughout the refining process, without being depleted themselves. As our feedstock becomes increasingly heterogeneous and the requirements for our end-products constantly rise, we must be among the world leaders in catalytic processes.

Products and applications

We have extensive expertise encompassing fuel, chemical, and plastic products and applications. We not only manage the comprehensive product range but also conduct product life-cycle analysis (LCA) and sustainability assessments. Working in tandem with business units and common functions, we prioritize customer satisfaction with existing products while innovating winning solutions for future requirements.

Analytics and quality control

Analytical services deliver reliable analytical solutions. Research analytics work in close co-operation with R&D projects but also method development, validation and automatization are keystones of their work.

Our in-house quality control laboratory works 24/7. Shared know-how and close collaboration between our quality control and research laboratories means that our teams have access to world class analytics infrastructure and experience.

Our research facilities

At the core of our company's excellence are two research facilities that serve as the engines of innovation. These facilities, located in Porvoo, Finland and in Singapore, create a framework for world-class research and support our growth.

The Technology center in Porvoo, Finland carries out research, development and engineering work. This innovation powerhouse employs nearly 1,000 professionals, and serves as a vital cornerstone for Neste, focusing on the whole value chain from raw materials to end products.

Our Innovation Center in Singapore, operational since 2023, strengthens our innovation and R&D capabilities globally, supports our growth in the Asia-Pacific region and drives collaboration with our network. The center with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and advanced analytical capabilities focuses on research around raw materials and the pretreatment processes.

Bridging concepts to execution in demonstration, pilot plants, and technology development

Our innovation work does not end in the lab. We run several demonstration facilities and piloting platforms, that are essentially room-sized top of the line refineries.

Using these facilities we can push our innovation effort further and continuously test, demonstrate and pilot the new products and processes in our pipeline.

At Neste one of our core strengths is developing new technologies, often together with our partners and clients. Research is where things begin, but our expertise is how it connects to our engineering ability. Together experts from research, technology development and engineering build the bridge from an idea to implementation and finally hand it over to execution experts.

The most notable example of this joint effort is our proprietary NEXBTL technology to produce renewable products. Great things happen when engineering and business excellence accelerate the research effort.

Technology and Engineering

Working together across our value chain is key to creating innovative and sustainable solutions that make a positive impact.

Meet the innovators of a more sustainable future

With the fight against climate change gathering pace, it is more important and urgent than ever to improve and scale up existing sustainable technologies and solutions.

News and insights

From idea to innovation: Tips from award-winning innovators who shape our tomorrow

What does it take to be an innovator? Two members of the team winning the 2023 European Inventor Award share their journey and their best tips for innovation.