How the process works
Researchers are pairing green hydrogen with captured CO2 to create syngas through the reverse water gas shift reaction. This syngas feeds the well understood Fischer Tropsch synthesis, producing hydrocarbons that can be refined into jet fuel fully compatible with existing aircraft and airport infrastructure. Because the chemistry mirrors traditional refinery operations, certification pathways are clear and risk limited.
Encouraging economics
A recent academic study calculated a minimum fuel selling price near three euro per litre today, falling below two euro when carbon credits exceed two hundred euro per tonne. That figure aligns with mandated sustainable fuel blending quotas arriving across Europe between twenty thirty and twenty thirty five. Leveraging cheap renewable electricity from offshore wind further narrows the gap with fossil kerosene.
Decarbonisation potential
Lifecycle analysis shows greenhouse impact plunges by ninety percent, and even moving toward net negative when renewable power and direct air capture are combined. Each tonne of eSAF replaces three point one tonnes of conventional jet fuel emissions, offering policymakers a scalable lever to meet International Civil Aviation Organization targets.
Hidden advantage: oxygen valorisation
A less discussed insight concerns the pure oxygen co produced by water electrolysis. Supplying this oxygen to the reverse water gas shift reactor improves reaction kinetics and heat management,
reducing overall plant energy demand by up to five percent. The improvement seems small yet translates into significant savings across a commercial scale plant, shortening payback time and lowering ticket surcharges for passengers.
Conclusion
Electro sustainable aviation fuel derived from reverse water gas shift and Fischer Tropsch technology moves quickly from laboratory to bankable project. Falling renewable power costs, supportive policy and clever integration of by products promise clean flights without changing engines or airports. The aviation climate challenge now has a practical molecular solution.