European Chemical Industry News & Insights

INERATEC secures €70 million for Europe's largest e-Fuel plant in Frankfurt

At a glance
  • INERATEC secures €70m from EIB and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst for e-Fuel plant.
  • The plant will produce up to 2,500 tons of e-Fuel annually.
  • The project supports EU's 2030 climate neutrality targets.
  • Synthetic fuels are made from green hydrogen and CO2.

Funding and Project Overview

INERATEC has secured €70 million in funding, comprising a €40 million venture debt loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a €30 million grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst. This investment will finance the construction of Europe's largest e-Fuel production plant in Frankfurt, focusing on decarbonizing aviation through innovative reactor technology.

Production and Technology

The plant will produce up to 2,500 tons of e-Fuel annually, using INERATEC's Power-to-Liquid technology. This process combines green hydrogen and CO2 from biogenic sources to create synthetic aviation fuel, marine fuels, and e-Diesel. The CO2 is sourced from a biogas plant, while hydrogen is a by-product of a chlorine production facility.

Strategic Importance and Market Demand

The project underscores the strategic importance of e-Fuels in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like aviation. The European ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates a minimum e-SAF blend of 1.2% by 2030, creating market opportunities. The funding will enable INERATEC to scale up production and meet increasing market demand, making synthetic fuels economically viable.

Partnerships and Climate Goals

The collaboration between INERATEC and the EU-Catalyst Partnership highlights the role of public-private partnerships in advancing clean climate technologies. The project aligns with the EU's 2030 climate neutrality targets and supports the Renewable Energy Directive and ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. The EIB's involvement is part of its commitment to a net-zero economy, particularly in sectors like aviation.