Carbon-neutral jet fuel made from synthetic kerosene

The world’s first e-kerosene plant opens in Germany

Spotted: German non-profit atmosfair recently opened the world’s first industrial manufacturing plant for synthetic kerosene. A carbon-neutral alternative to jet fuel, the first production runs of the kerosene are for Lufthansa, with atmosfair planning to scale production as quickly as possible to begin supplying other airlines.  

The kerosene is made from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, with the hydrogen created from local renewable energy sources. Much of the carbon dioxide used in the kerosene will be captured from the air, thereby balancing out the emissions of the production processes and creating a carbon-neutral fuel. Located in Werlte, Germany, the plant will produce up to eight barrels per day in 2022. 

atmosfair focuses on helping both the aviation industry, and countries in the global south, transition away from carbon-based economies and products. Through three main areas of work—mitigation, reduction and offsetting—atmosfair works with local partners to develop renewable energy sources. Its work on a carbon neutral jet fuel is an important step in creating long-term aviation industry sustainability. 

Other ways in which the aviation industry is innovating is via electric air travel. Regional electric airline routes are seeking to both replace car pollution and improve length of battery life through continued development of the technology. As well as advancements in entire planes, innovations in materials and designs are being used to produce aeroplane engines that are quieter, use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.