Technology

The carbon cycle shows, how we can produce unlimited renewable fuels without releasing more CO₂ from fossil sources into the atmosphere.

• Recycling carbon dioxide from air and biogenic sources

  In the first step, CO₂ is extracted from the air using innovative Direct Air Capture (DAC) systems. Together with recycled CO₂ from biogenic waste gas streams, which will initially supplement the CO₂ supply, it is one of the main feedstocks for the second process step.

• Creating renewable, synthetic crude

  In the second process step, syngas is produced from CO₂ and water by using renewable electricity. This can be achieved either via high-temperature co-electrolysis or by a technology combination of low-temperature electrolysis for hydrogen production coupled with a Reverse-Water-Gas-Shift reactor.

  The syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide is then converted to hydrocarbons of different chain lengths in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor under the influence of pressure, temperature, and catalysts. A synthetic, renewable crude oil equivalent is produced. Waste heat from the synthesis is captured as steam and can be used as input to the co-electrolyzer to increase process efficiency or for district heating.

• Refining to Sustainable Aviation Fuel

  In the third process step, the renewable synthetic crude can be refined into the products of choice, such as kerosene, diesel, gasoline, waxes and other chemicals. However, chemistry imposes some limitations on the fractions that can be obtained. At Norsk e-Fuel, we are optimizing our processes and products for the aviation industry, where we believe they are most needed. As a result, we are able to convert 70-80% of our products into e-Kerosene, which can be used in existing infrastructures and meets ASTM standards.

• Using the e-Fuel and releasing the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

  In the fourth step, the sustainable aviation fuel is transported to the airport. In the aircraft's combustion engine, the carbon contained in the fuel is released back into the atmosphere. At this point, we close the cycle when the CO₂ is captured again by DAC or absorbed by plants. Including steps 1-4, the process is fully circular and enables unlimited renewable transportation without releasing more CO₂ from fossil sources into the atmosphere.

• Innovative state-of-the-art approach

  The production pathway via the low-temperature electrolyzer for hydrogen production and the Revers-Water-Gas-Shift Reactor for syngas production is based on well-known and proven technology units, which will reduce the technological risk that is inherent in all first-of-a-kind industrial projects. And while the technologies are scaled, ready-to-use and reliable, they offer great potential for technological improvement. In addition, they are commercially available on the market today in larger volumes, allowing us to quickly scale up.

• Cutting-edge approach

  The process based on a high-temperature co-electrolyzer to produce syngas in a single step, allows us to generate e-Fuels with higher efficiencies. This is important to reduce the amount of electricity needed and the associated environmental impact, but also for the economic impact. Less electricity means lower production costs, which in turn means lower prices for e-Fuels.