A revolutionary fuel made from water, carbon dioxide and renewable energy promises to cut aviation emissions by up to 90%.
A new era for aviation
The aviation industry is taking a giant step towards sustainability with the production of electro-fuel (e-fuel) on an industrial scale. This innovative fuel, also known as e-SAF (electro Sustainable Aviation Fuel) or power-to-liquid (PtL), is made from water, waste CO2 and renewable energy. Zero Petroleum CEO Paddy Lowe describes the breakthrough as “pure chemistry”:
“The magic of synthetic fuel is that it is simply made from air and water. It may sound like alchemy, it may sound extraordinary, but it is simply chemistry.”
Using this type of fuel could cut greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 90% compared to conventional kerosene.
Advantages of electrofuel in aviation
Electrofuel is a sustainable alternative, removing many of the current limitations:
- No dependency on limited feedstocks
Unlike conventional SAF fuels, e-SAF is not dependent on finite natural resources such as vegetable oils or forest residues. - Major emissions reduction
Compared to traditional kerosene, e-SAF contributes significantly to reducing emissions over its entire life cycle. - Low impact on natural resources
Its production requires a low land and water footprint, unlike other biofuels. - Full compatibility with current engines
Electrofuel can be used without modifications to existing aircraft infrastructure and engines, making it a drop-in replacement. - Accelerated decarbonization
The production process includes the capture of CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to reduce the global concentration of greenhouse gases.
How does e-FAFS differ from conventional FAS?
While both types of fuel are sustainable, there are key differences:
- Raw materials:
Conventional FAS uses used cooking oils, forest residues or waste, while e-SAF is produced exclusively from water, CO2 and renewable electricity. - Emissions and sustainability:
e-SAF production involves the direct use of renewable energy, which gives it a significant advantage in reducing its carbon footprint.
Aviation’s Green Future
The adoption of electrofuel marks a decisive step towards global decarbonization goals. With aviation responsible for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, the transition to synthetic fuels could transform the industry into a model of sustainability. As technology advances and production costs come down, e-SAF could become the standard for aviation fuel, paving the way to a cleaner and more sustainable future.