TAKE-OFF is an industrially driven project that will be a game-changer in the cost effective production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from CO2 and hydrogen. Due to their strict criteria in terms of physical and chemical properties, the aviation sector is highly limited in the number of options for meeting sustainability goals.
The unique TAKE-OFF technology is based on conversion of CO2 and H2 to SAF via ethylene as intermediate. The consortium partners are working to deliver a highly innovative process which produces SAF at lower costs, higher energy efficiency and higher carbon efficiency to the crude jet fuel product than the current benchmark.
The overall objective of TAKE-OFF is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for the production of the next generation renewable fuel for the aviation sector. This includes developing and optimizing catalyst and reactor technology to increase overall conversion energy efficiency and decrease cost, steering to a lower engine-out emission fuel by composition optimization and demonstrating the entire technology chain under industrial conditions:1) Increased performance in terms of energy efficiency; 2)Lower cost; 3)Lower engine out emissions
The majority of the European consumers are aware of the climate burden induced by air transport of passengers and goods. Many consumers are willing to pay extra if the impacts from air transport can be reduced. These consumers are however left with one single choice, carbon offsetting. Carbon offsetting which to most consumers initially appeared as decent idea, has over the year achieved a somewhat mixed reputation, since first of all the carbon savings induced by carbon offsetting will only be achieved in distant future, where humanity might have passed the climate tipping point and several cases of climate offsetting frauds have been reported by various media. These two central issues related with air transport fueled by conventional jet fuel, leaves the climate conscious consumers with little choice, which over time will move consumers from air transport to other less climate burdensome ground based transport forms. Slower movement of goods and people will clearly have social impacts potentially affecting both individual and companies. TAKE-OFF will provide the air transport industry with alternative fuels meeting the requirements of the ever more climate conscious consumers.
