On 24 October, Peter Moser from our project partner RWT, presented the TAKE-OFF project at the GHGT-17 in Canada during the session 11A Thermochemical CO₂ Conversion.
Peter’s presentation titled “From CO₂ and H₂ to sustainable aviation fuel – TAKE-OFF” shared important findings on the feasibility of the direct synthesis route from H₂ and CO₂ to synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) in comparison to the Fischer-Tropsch method.
Early analysis shows that direct synthesis isn’t yet economically competitive, but there is promise in optimising processes – through advanced catalysts, control overreactions, and better utilisation of purge flows – to improve both cost-effectiveness and carbon efficiency.
The EU’s ReFuelEU regulation aims to boost synthetic aviation fuels by mandating minimum SAF quotas, sub quotas for synthetic fuels, and implementing strict penalties for non-compliance with ETS Aviation targets. With the phase-out of free allowances for aviation starting in 2024, support through the European Innovation Fund and further ETS allowances will help bridge the cost gap between SAF/eSAF and traditional kerosene.
Peter also emphasised that a sustainable business case for eSAF requires a robust regulatory framework and long-term financial incentives. Ultimately, it’s up to society and businesses to invest in the costs today for the decarbonisation of the aviation sector.
The GHGT-17 conference is the world’s leading forum for innovations in greenhouse gas reduction, focusing on carbon capture and utilisation and carbon capture and storage (CCU and CCS). This event brings together top researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and business leaders from around the world to explore cutting-edge low-carbon technology and mitigation strategies.
