Solar Jet: Kerosene From The Sun

The European Union funded a project to synthesise jet fuel from sunlight. The project was named SOLAR-JET. The initial sample of solar jet fuel demonstrated feasibility.

Concentrated sunlight is used to convert a mixture of water and carbon dioxide into synthesis gas. High temperatures and metal oxide-based materials facilitate a redox cycle. The synthesis gas, comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, is converted into kerosene using commercial Fischer-Tropsch technology.

This technique represents progress towards sustainable fuels. It ensures the continuous availability of raw materials. Other research institutions have measured the production of fuels through concentrated solar energy and thermochemical processes. One solar reactor technology has been introduced for the production of liquid hydrocarbon fuels for the transport industry.

Professor Aldo Steinfeld, head of fundamental research and development of the solar reactor at ETH Zürich, stated that the solar reactor technology exhibits improved radiative heat transfer and high reaction speeds. Both factors are important for enhancing the conversion efficiency of solar energy into fuel.

The processing of synthesis gas via a redox cycle driven by solar energy remains in early development. Nevertheless, the conversion of synthesis gas into kerosene has attracted measured interest. Companies such as Shell and others have chosen to implement this process on a global scale.

The collaboration between manufacturers and distributors is expected to accelerate innovation. This cooperation will ensure sustainable production and provide a constant supply of renewable aviation fuel and other fuels required in transport. Kerosene produced using Fischer-Tropsch technology is already approved for commercial aviation.

Professor Hans Geerlings from Shell explained that the individual stages of this process had been tested previously, but they had not been integrated from start to finish. He added that he looks forward to working with other partners to further research and develop the technology.

This method may be applied to synthesise other fuel types for various transport sectors. It can produce fuels such as petrol, diesel, or even pure hydrogen. The process offers a sustainable approach for long-term fuel production.