Producing aviation fuels from water, CO2 and the power of the sun

The SUN-to-LIQUID project is developing a technology that produces aviation fuels from water, carbon dioxide (CO2) and the power of the sun.

How could this technology be explained to a high school student?

Concentrated solar radiation is absorbed in a solar reactor that converts water and CO2 into synthesis gas – a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The synthesis gas is then delivered to a gas-to-liquid plant where it is converted into jet fuel.

The fuel production chain process in the SUN-to-LIQUID solar fuel plant.

What is the value for society?

• decarbonises the aviation sector (reduces its emissions)
• can be scaled up to meet global fuel demands
• does not require arable land and does not compete with food production
• has very high efficiency potential because of few energy conversion steps
• offers employment opportunities.

At what stage of development is this project?

This four-year project was completed at the end of 2019. The consortium is now looking for funding for the follow-up project, which is aimed at boosting the energy conversion efficiency of the process.

What government policies could bring this from the lab to the market?

• RD&D support
• fuel taxes on conventional fuels
• mechanisms to stimulate demand for sustainable aviation fuels (e.g. quotas)