In brief
JEThylen is developing an innovative process chain for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) from CO2. In this process, CO2 is electrochemically converted into ethylene, which then serves as a platform chemical for SAF. The approach aims to increase energy efficiency, reduce process complexity and enable climate-neutral value chains for the aviation and chemical industries.
What we’re working on
Motivation
JEThylen is addressing the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The transport sector faces the challenge of drastically reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. In aviation in particular, liquid aviation fuels remain indispensable in the long term due to the high energy density requirements. SAFs, which can be used within existing infrastructure worldwide, are therefore regarded as a key technology for the decarbonisation of aviation. In addition to its use in aviation, ethylene, as the most important organic base chemical in the chemical industry, is of enormous economic significance. The project thus not only opens up a sustainable fuel pathway, but also offers prospects for climate-neutral chemical production.
Innovative approach
JEThylen pursues a disruptive approach to CO2 utilisation (Carbon Capture and Utilisation) by directly reducing CO2 electrochemically to ethylene. Ethylene then serves as a platform chemical for the production of sustainable aviation fuels. This approach promises higher energy efficiency, lower process complexity and new industrial value chains. The process chain developed in JEThylen comprises three key steps:
- electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to ethylene,
- processing and purification of the product gas,
- thermocatalytic conversion of ethylene to SAF via oligomerisation and hydrogenation
Implementation and added value
The project results lay the foundation for industrial implementation through scaling up to demonstration plants and integration into existing infrastructures and markets. JEThylen delivers significant added value through access to growing markets for sustainable aviation fuels and climate-neutral ethylene, thereby making an important contribution to climate-neutral mobility and industry of the future.
Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. The company works alongside its customers and partners to develop the energy systems of the future, thereby supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers virtually the entire energy value chain – from electricity and heat generation through to energy transmission and storage. The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technologies, such as gas and steam turbines, hydrogen-powered hybrid power stations, generators and transformers. Through its wind power subsidiary Siemens Gamesa, Siemens Energy is one of the global market leaders in renewable energy.
SE coordinates the JEThylen consortium project and is responsible for the research and development work on an energy-efficient, industrially scalable CO2-to-ethylene electrolyser based on ‘zero-gap’ architecture. In addition, it is carrying out an economic assessment of the novel process chain, from which concrete recommendations for industrial development and implementation will be derived.
The Technical University of Berlin is one of Germany’s leading research-intensive technical universities. Prof. Peter Strasser’s research group at the Institute of Chemistry has many years of experience in materials and catalysis research for electrochemical energy conversion. The development and characterisation of new electrochemical catalysts, electrodes and interfaces are among the group’s key areas of expertise. Since 2013, the chair has been conducting research specifically into the efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 to ethylene. The Technical University of Berlin produces catalyst layers on a laboratory scale and investigates the influence of various process parameters, such as pressure, temperature and flow rates, on activity, selectivity and stability in ‘zero-gap’ electrolysers.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB develops and optimises processes, technologies and products for healthcare, sustainable chemistry, the environment and climate protection. In doing so, we draw on a combination of biological and process engineering expertise to develop solutions for patient-centred healthcare, a sustainable bioeconomy and a climate-neutral, resource-efficient circular economy. We offer our clients research services ranging from feasibility studies to development of application-ready solutions, complemented by a wide range of analytical and testing services. Complete solutions from laboratory to pilot scale are among the Institute’s strengths.
Fraunhofer IGB is linking the electrocatalytic cell, via a gas treatment process, to the catalytic oligomerisation of ethylene into fuels. The focus here is on the long-term operation of the electrolyser and the development of the gas purification unit.
Bauhaus Luftfahrt sees itself as a bridge-builder between science, industry, politics and the public. Through flexibility and an interdisciplinary approach, this institutionally funded aviation think tank fosters a holistic understanding of the system and the ability to combine different approaches, for example to identify long-term options for sustainable and climate-neutral aviation.
Within the JEThylen project, Bauhaus Luftfahrt is responsible for system analyses; among other things, a process model is being developed to compare the process chain investigated in JEThylen with competing pathways using techno-economic analyses. The aim is to determine the potential for sustainable aviation fuel production based on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to ethylene.
