TAKE-OFF develops and industrially validates processes that convert captured CO₂ and renewable H₂ into light olefins, which are then upgraded to drop‑in sustainable aviation fuel meeting ASTM specifications. The project demonstrates both a direct CO₂‑to‑olefin route and an indirect methanol/DME pathway, aiming for higher carbon and hydrogen efficiencies and lower production costs than conventional PtL routes. Results from full‑scale demonstrators provide techno‑economic and life‑cycle data to support scaling certified low‑carbon jet fuel for airlines and fuel suppliers.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Commercial aviation relies heavily on fossil-derived jet fuel, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions and contributing to climate change. Existing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pathways are often costly, energy‑intensive, or limited in scalability, hindering widespread adoption across the industry.
Solution
Take‑Off (TAKE‑OFF) develops and industrially validates innovative processes that convert captured CO₂ and renewable H₂ into light olefins, which are subsequently upgraded to drop‑in sustainable aviation fuel. The project pursues two complementary routes: a direct CO₂‑to‑olefin conversion and an indirect pathway via methanol/dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis, thereby reducing technical risk and enhancing overall efficiency. By integrating advanced catalysis, electrolyzer‑derived H₂, and existing power‑generation infrastructure, the consortium aims to achieve higher carbon and hydrogen efficiencies than conventional power‑to‑liquids (PtL) routes while lowering production costs. Demonstrators are operated under real‑world conditions to generate techno‑economic and life‑cycle data that support scaling the technology to commercial SAF volumes. The resulting fuel meets ASTM specifications and is intended for immediate use in existing aircraft without modifications.
Target Audience
Primary customers are airlines and aviation fuel suppliers seeking certified low‑carbon jet fuel, as well as energy companies and policymakers interested in scaling cost‑effective SAF production pathways.
Features
- Direct catalytic conversion of CO₂ and renewable H₂ to light olefins using proprietary high‑selectivity catalysts
- Indirect route employing methanol/DME synthesis as an intermediate step to olefins, providing process flexibility
- Integration with large‑scale renewable H₂ production (alkaline electrolyzers) and existing power plant infrastructure for real‑world testing
- Full‑scale demonstrator at RWE Power’s Niederaussem site to validate performance, reliability, and boundary conditions
- Comprehensive techno‑economic and environmental assessment (LCA) of both routes to quantify cost, carbon intensity, and efficiency gains
- Fuel quality verification by SkyNRG to ensure compliance with ASTM jet‑fuel standards and assess combustion behavior in turbines
- Multi‑partner consortium covering catalysis, process engineering, power generation, fuel testing, and market analysis