- INERATEC's plant will produce up to 2,500 tons of e-Fuel annually.
- The European Investment Bank and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst provide €70 million in funding.
- The plant will use green hydrogen and CO2 to create synthetic aviation fuel.
- The EU ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates a 1.2% e-SAF blend by 2030.
Funding and Objectives
INERATEC has secured €70 million in funding from the European Investment Bank and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to construct Europe's largest e-Fuel production plant in Frankfurt. This investment aims to scale up e-Fuel production, focusing on decarbonizing the aviation sector by converting green hydrogen and CO2 into synthetic aviation fuel.
Production Process
The plant will utilize INERATEC's Power-to-Liquid technology, combining hydrogen and CO2 from biogenic sources to produce synthetic crude oil. This crude oil can be refined into various synthetic fuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marine fuels, and e-Diesel. The CO2 is sourced from a biogas plant, while hydrogen is a by-product of a chlorine production facility.
Market and Regulation
The plant is expected to produce up to 2,500 tons of e-Fuel annually, addressing the growing market demand for sustainable fuels. The European ReFuelEU Aviation regulation requires airlines to use a minimum e-SAF blend of 1.2% by 2030, creating market opportunities for e-Fuels.
Partnerships and Innovation
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 climate goals, supported by the InvestEU programme and the Innovation Fund, which aim to drive the transition to a net-zero economy.
Future Implications
Once operational, the plant will contribute to the EU's 2030 climate neutrality targets, supporting the aviation and transportation sectors in meeting e-Fuel consumption objectives. The project serves as a model for scaling up other clean energy solutions across Europe.
