Shell Global Solutions International, Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) and AVL are developing a next-generation power-to-liquids (PtL) process that uses solid oxide co-electrolysis technology to produce electro-sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF).
The collaboration will include an integrated pilot-scale test programme at Shell’s Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which will utilise a 24 kW solid oxide electrolysis cells electrolyser that is configured for co-electrolysis with Shell’s existing Fischer-Tropsch pilot plant, Fraunhofer IKTS’ advanced solid oxide co-electrolysis technology and AVL’s electrolysis systems engineering capabilities to advance e-SAF production technologies.
HP Calis, General Manager GTL/XTL Technology at Shell, said: “The next-generation PtL technology has the potential to make e-SAF more accessible and affordable. By bringing together complementary expertise from Shell, Fraunhofer IKTS and AVL, this programme allows us to rigorously de-risk and optimise the technology.”
Dr Ing Erik Reichelt, Group Manager Process Systems Engineering at Fraunhofer IKTS, added: “High-temperature co-electrolysis has the potential to improve the efficiency of e-SAF production. Through this collaboration, we are excited to see our solid oxide electrolysis technology integrated into a complete PtL process and validated under realistic operating conditions.”
Juergen Rechberger, VP Hydrogen & Energy at AVL, stated: “Unlocking the full potential of high-temperature electrolysis requires translating promising technologies into reliable, scalable system performance. Through our expertise in electrolysis systems engineering and system integration, we are helping the transition from technology development to industrial application of next-generation e-SAF solutions.”
