Shell, Fraunhofer IKTS and AVL join forces to develop solid oxide co-electrolysis-based power-to-liquids technology for synthetic aviation fuel
Amsterdam – Shell Global Solutions International B.V., Fraunhofer IKTS and AVL are joining forces on a programme designed to develop a next-generation power-to-liquids (PTL) process based on solid oxide co-electrolysis technology for the production of synthetic aviation fuel (e-SAF) from CO2 and low-carbon electricity.
The collaboration will last four years and deliver an integrated pilot-scale test programme at Shell’s Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam (ETCA), bringing together high-temperature co-electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), advanced membrane-based separation, Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis and off-gas utilisation. The parties expect this research will help make future e-SAF production more efficient and affordable than currently available PTL technologies.
The aviation industry is expected to rely increasingly on e-SAF to lower dependency on fossil resources and reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. Growing the required e-SAF industry will require both deployment of currently available PTL technologies and ongoing innovation to further enhance performance and improve affordability.
Shell contributes to the programme with its Shell XTL Process*, which builds on decades of experience in the gas-to-liquids (GTL) process, while the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS supplies its advanced solid oxide co-electrolysis technology and AVL provides electrolysis systems engineering capabilities. Together, the parties aim to bridge the critical gap between laboratory innovation and commercially deployable technology.
*X-to-Liquids, where X refers to feedstocks that are renewable or have a lower carbon intensity than conventional fossil sources.
The pilot-scale test programme will combine a 24-kW SOEC electrolyser configured for co-electrolysis with Shell’s existing FT pilot plant, which also supported the commercialisation of Shell’s GTL process. The test programme is expected to conclude by the end of the decade, with commercial deployment by industry anticipated during the following decade. The programme is supported by the Dutch government through the DEI Energy Innovation scheme (DEI1250051), recognising its potential to advance next-generation e-SAF technologies.
HP Calis, General Manager GTL/XTL Technology at Shell, emphasised: “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.”
Contacts
Shell Global Solutions International B.V.
Shell Media Relations
Tel.: +31 (0)70 377 8750
Email: media-nl@shell.com
Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS
Press and Public Relations
Tel.: +49 (0)351 2553 7700
Email: presse@ikts.fraunhofer.de
AVL
AVL Press
Tel.: +43 (0)316 787 12906
press@avl.com
About Shell Catalysts & Technologies
Shell Catalysts & Technologies exists to provide Shell and non-Shell businesses with the tools, technologies and insights that are needed to help industrial assets perform at their best.
For decades, we have been developing game-changing technological innovations to solve seemingly insurmountable challenges. What sets us apart is the knowledge we have gained from Shell’s corporate heritage as an operator of refineries and petrochemical plants around the world. It also gives us a unique perspective on how refiners can remain competitive as energy systems evolve.
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For more information, visit www.shell.com/ct.
About Fraunhofer IKTS
The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS is one of the world’s leading ceramics research institutes. One of the key topics is the development and system integration of high-performance solid oxide electrolysis technologies, advanced materials and energy conversion systems, supporting the transition towards sustainable industrial processes and renewable fuels.
To learn more about Fraunhofer IKTS, visit www.ikts.fraunhofer.de/en.
About AVL
To learn more about AVL, visit www.avl.com.
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