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TAKE-OFF

The TAKE-OFF project, funded by the Horizon 2020 EU program, will explore the development of a unique technology based on the conversion of CO2 and renewable hydrogen  to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via olefins as an intermediate. This technology route aims to deliver a highly innovative process that produces SAF at lower costs and higher energy efficiency compared to other power-to-liquid alternatives currently available. The TAKE-OFF route consists of capturing CO2 from industrial flue gas or Direct Air Capture which reacts with hydrogen produced by renewable electricity to create light olefins. These light olefins are subsequently chemically upgraded into SAF. All innovative steps upgrading CO2 will be demonstrated under industrially relevant conditions.

SAF produced through the TAKE-OFF technology could significantly support the aviation industry in  reducing its carbon footprint and replace the utilisation of crude jet fuel products while proving:

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE PROJECT

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+25%

Carbon and hydrogen efficiency compared to other PtL alternatives

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-100%

Sulphur compared to fossil aviation fuel 

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-20%

Total emissions compared to other PtL alternatives

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-36%

SAF production costs compared to other PtL alternatives

PROJECT CONCEPT

The TAKE-OFF technology aims to bring integrated processes for the conversion of CO2 and renewable H2 to dimethyl ether (DME) and light olefins, as part of the chain of going to SAF , from TRL 3 to TRL 5 and from TRL 3 to TRL 4 respectively

The project will also quantify the economic and environmental performance of SAF  produced fromCO2 and renewable H2 via the light olefins route and competing production routes including:

  • Economic evaluation and identified opportunities for the reduction of fuel costs.
  • Environmental assessment and identify opportunities for the reduction of environmental impacts of jet fuel.
  • Optimisation of the production of the SAF of the future by using cost and environmental performance data.

The achievement of the project objectives will contribute directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, European Green Deal, and the Renewable Energy Directive II, where sustainable aviation fuels are receiving increased attention.

TAKE-OFF OBJECTIVES

These objectives will be achieved through activities in seven interlinked work packages.

Catalyst development  Design and testing of new efficient, selective and stable bifunctional catalysts for the synthesis of light olefins (ethylene and propylene) from CO2 and renewable H2 via a direct conversion

Integrated process for converting CO2 and H2 to SAF  Demonstrate the technological and economical improvement of applying integrated systems in the chain of producing SAF from CO2 and H2 when compared to state-of-the-art industrial processes.

Demonstration of the complete value chain  The production of DME from captured CO2 and H2 produced from water electrolysis will be implemented using the DME synthesisunit (DME synthesis demo unit) and its relevant infrastructure developed, designed and erected by MHPSE at the RWE power plant Niederaussem.

Compliance and emissions  Evaluate the emissions potential of the developed fuel candidates in comparison to commercial fossil-based jet fuel and selected reference fuel components.

Techno-economic and environmental assessment  Quantifies the economic and environmental performance of jet fuels produced from CO2 and H2 via the light olefins route and competing for production routes.

Dissemination, Communication, Exploitation  Ensure the effective exploitation and dissemination of the project results to all relevant stakeholders to facilitate successful future deployment.

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