Swiss clean energy startup Synhelion is making significant strides in producing diesel fuel entirely based on solar energy. This innovative approach not only demonstrates the potential for decarbonizing heavy-duty transport and aviation, but also offers a solution that can be integrated without changes to existing infrastructure. The information is from The Wall Street Journal.
A recent demonstration on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland highlighted the practical application of Synhelion's technology. The Lake Lucerne Navigation Co. successfully powered a 110-year-old steamship with Synhelion's solar diesel. Using the fuel to heat water and generate steam, this event marks the first of its kind in the world.
“For us, this is a beautiful demonstration, but it is really just the starting point“, commented Philipp Furler, CEO of Synhelion. The company's ambitions go beyond such symbolic events, with its main goal being to create sustainable fuels based on diesel.
How does solar diesel work?
Synhelion's technology is based on the conversion of concentrated solar energy into high-temperature thermal energy. This heat is used to break down carbon dioxide and methane - extracted from agricultural waste - into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. These gas molecules are then combined to form longer hydrocarbons, including diesel fuel.
The key advantage of this "drop-in" diesel is that it can be used in existing fossil-fuel engines without any modifications. In addition to shipping and aviation, Synhelion also sees major potential in road transport.
According to life-cycle assessments, the use of solar fuel could lead to an estimated 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during a single trip.
Why is now the time?
The transport sector is responsible for between a fifth and a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a prime target for decarbonization.
So far, Synhelion has raised 90 million Swiss francs (equivalent to $107 million) and is producing its solar fuels from a commercial pilot plant in Jülich, Germany. The company is already exploring options for its next plant in regions with abundant renewable energy resources, such as Spain, Morocco and Oman.
“Now it's about scaling up, which requires a lot of capital expenditure“, Furler admits. “Right now it's a challenge, we need capital to make it happen.“