Aviation's green leap: Solar-powered fuel breakthrough at ETH Zurich
Fuel production is typically associated with the use of nonrenewable resources and environmental pollution. However, the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) has developed a groundbreaking technology for producing aviation fuel, which could transform the aviation industry into a more eco-friendly sector.
Imagine fuel created from air. ETH Zurich has constructed a system that produces aviation fuel using readily available natural resources. Last year, the Swiss institute conducted small-scale initial tests on its roof.
Currently, experiments are being carried out on a much larger scale. In Spain, an installation consisting of 169 solar panels, each with a diagonal of about 3 metres, has been set up. These panels reflect sunlight toward a reactor positioned on a 15-metre tower at the centre of the facility. The reactor harnesses around 50 kW of solar energy.
Fuel from air and water
This energy is used to generate syngas from CO2 and water captured from the atmosphere. The GTL (gas to liquid) process enables it to be converted into liquid fuel. Although its combustion emits CO2, the emission balance is zero as the emitted carbon dioxide is captured throughout the process.
This technology presents solutions for aviation and energy production. However, it is currently in the experimental phase and not yet ready for mass market implementation.
Nevertheless, it is said to have considerable potential because it can be produced from more easily accessible resources than traditional fossil fuels.
The future of aviation
The current challenge is efficiency. The installation cycle lasts 50-60 minutes, allowing for 8-9 daily cycles with favourable sunlight.
In nine days of operation, just over five metric tonnes of fuel were produced, which is enough for a flight of about an hour for large aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or C-17 Globemaster.
Nonetheless, airlines are optimistic about this technology. Swiss International Air Lines and the Lufthansa Group are cooperating with Synhelion, which will be responsible for commercialising this innovative technology.
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