Project abstract

KEROGREEN offers a novel conversion route to sustainable aviation fuel synthesised from H₂O and CO₂ powered by renewable electricity. Because the sustainable kerosene emits less soot and no sulphur, it meets future aviation air pollution standards. The conversion is based on plasma driven CO₂ dissociation, solid oxide membranes and Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis of kerosene. Synergy between plasma activated species and novel perovskite electrodes of the oxygen separator are expected to raise CO productivity and energy efficiency. CO₂ emitted upon fuel usage is recirculated as feedstock to the process by direct air capture. The technology is modular, scalable and relies on inexpensive existing infrastructure for storage, transport and distribution. In this project the technology readiness level is raised from TRL 3 to 4 by novel system integration into a container sized unit producing 1kg/hr kerosene. Projected cost at this stage of development are estimated at +50% of fossil kerosene. Market entrance will be facilitated by ETS, airline CO₂ compensation fund and ICAO regulation. The intermediate CO product is a valuable gas by itself. On-site production offers inherent safety. Safety issues and sustainability of KEROGREEN, including environmental impact, cost and acceptability will be analysed. By dynamically converting surplus renewable electricity in carbon neutral liquid fuel, vast energy storage capacity opens up to the electricity system, providing flexibility and allowing increased penetration of renewable electricity. The KEROGREEN Power-to-X technology is generic as it couples the electricity sector to the oil, gas and chemical sector, with the powerful potential to reduce the overall EU CO₂ emission budget, increase energy security and conserve fossil fuel. Compact sized KEROGREEN equipment close coupled to an off-shore wind turbine or a remote solar array produces carbon neutral liquid fuel on site, with no need for expensive electricity infrastructure.

Within the project IMVT works on separation of CO₂ from the oxygen –free CO produced from plasma activation, water gas shift for providing the hydrogen for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and final hydrocracking of Fischer-Trospch product with the aim of maximizing the kerosene yield.