Imagine turning smog and water into a high-quality fuel using only wind or solar power. Instead of making simple alcohols, this process creates a complex liquid that works just like diesel but burns much cleaner. It's like a chemical assembly line that builds a fuel molecule from scratch in one go, making it easy to use in existing ship engines without needing new hardware.
Heavy-duty and marine transport cannot easily switch to batteries due to low energy density. Current synthetic fuels are either too simple (methanol) or too complex to produce efficiently without multiple expensive steps.
A bench-scale (< 1L/h) hybrid catalytic system that converts CO2 and water into C5+ oxygenated e-fuels in a single-step process.
If you are a fleet operator dealing with strict GHG emission limits — this project developed a C5+ oxygenate e-fuel that replaces fossil diesel. It allows you to use existing engine infrastructure while significantly reducing soot and tailpipe emissions.
If you are a logistics provider dealing with the low energy density of batteries for long-haul routes — this project developed a high-energy density synthetic fuel. It provides a drop-in replacement for diesel that is compatible with current-fleet fuel distribution networks.
If you are a fuel producer dealing with inefficient multi-step conversion schemes — this project developed a once-through hybrid catalytic process. It integrates electrocatalysis and thermocatalysis to produce higher alcohols with greater carbon and energy efficiency.
The process has been demonstrated at a bench-scale producing less than 1L/h in continuous mode.
Based on available project data, specific cost-per-liter figures are not provided, though the project focuses on improving atom and energy efficiencies to lower costs.
The project is developing an exploitation plan with international partners to export these advanced e-fuel technologies.
Yes, the fuel is designed for compatibility with current-fleet infrastructures, including internal combustion engines and distribution networks.
The project specifically optimizes the process dynamic response to handle stationary and daily fluctuations from wind and solar power inputs.
The project features a strong commercial orientation with a 42% industry ratio, comprising 5 industrial partners (including 2 SMEs) across 8 countries. This balance between 4 universities and 3 research centers ensures that the fundamental catalysis research is directly aligned with the needs of the marine and heavy-duty transport sectors.
Contact CSIC (Spain) for technical specifications on the hybrid tandem process.
Contact us to find licensing opportunities for this TRL 4 e-fuel technology.
