Imagine using giant mirrors to concentrate sunlight into a super-hot oven that turns water and air into liquid fuel. It works like a chemical factory powered entirely by the sun instead of electricity or oil. This process creates high-energy fuels that can be poured straight into existing airplane tanks.
Aviation and shipping require energy-dense liquid fuels but must drastically reduce carbon emissions to meet climate neutrality goals. Current renewable fuel feedstocks are limited and often compete with food production.
A 50-kW solar-thermochemical system including a high-flux heliostat tower, 3D-printed reactor materials, and heat recovery components.
If you are an airline operator dealing with strict carbon emission mandates — this project developed a solar-thermochemical pathway that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80%. It provides a scalable source of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from non-biological origins.
If you are a shipping fleet owner dealing with the need for energy-dense liquid fuels for long-haul routes — this project developed a system to produce renewable hydrocarbons from sunlight, water, and CO2. This ensures a long-term fuel supply that doesn't rely on fossil fuels.
If you are a plant developer dealing with underutilized arid land — this project developed a high-flux solar concentration system that can meet global fuel demand using less than 1% of arid land. It turns non-arable land into a high-value fuel production hub.
Based on available project data, specific price per liter is not provided, but the project aims to create a cost-effective conversion pathway and a commercial exploitation strategy.
The project is demonstrating the integrated pathway on a 50-kW scale and creating a conceptual design for a multi-megawatt-scale commercial plant.
Based on available project data, the project includes a commercial exploitation strategy, though specific licensing terms are not detailed.
The project runs from November 2023 to October 2027, focusing on moving technology from TRL 2-3 to TRL 4-5.
The system produces liquid hydrocarbon fuels, which are energy-dense and compatible with existing aviation and shipping requirements.
The consortium is highly industry-weighted with a 50% industry ratio, comprising 3 industrial partners (including 2 SMEs) and 3 research organizations. This balance suggests a strong focus on commercial viability and scale-up, leveraging expertise across 5 European countries (CH, DE, ES, FR, NL).
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