To achieve climate targets, a transition to CO₂-free technologies is necessary across all sectors. Progress in reducing CO₂ emissions has been particularly limited in the transport sector, especially in aviation. Since large aircraft will continue to rely on liquid fuels in the long term, the EU is promoting the increased use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through the ReFuel Aviation Directive, with a particular focus on those produced from renewable resources using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

The research project is dedicated to optimizing this complex production process. The aim is to consider and jointly optimize Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and subsequent product upgrading not as isolated steps, but as closely interconnected process stages. By combining experimental investigations with comprehensive process modeling, dependencies between the individual process steps will be better understood and leveraged to maximize the yield of synthetic kerosene and minimize the overall energy demand for its production. A particular focus is placed on the efficient use of the carbon input to reduce the energy required for CO₂ separation.

The project is being carried out jointly by TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Fraunhofer IKTS Dresden. The research centers are contributing their many years of experience in the development of catalysts, reactors, and process models, as well as in the production and analysis of fuels. Through close cooperation and the experimental and model-based linking of fuel production and upgrading, the project is making an important contribution to the development of efficient and sustainable production processes for synthetic hydrocarbons. In this way, it supports the transformation of air transport towards greater climate protection and contributes to the establishment of CO₂-reduced aviation fuels.

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