Solar Energy Startup Debuts Synthetic Fuel Solution for Traditional Energy Sector in Switzerland
Synhelion's Solar Gasoline: A Sustainable Fuel for the Future
Synhelion, a Swiss-based clean energy company, has made a significant breakthrough in the production of carbon-neutral synthetic fuel, known as solar gasoline. This innovative fuel is set to revolutionise the transportation sector by offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based liquid fuels.
The production process is remarkable. Synhelion harnesses concentrated solar energy, along with CO2 and water, to create a thermochemical reaction that produces syngas - a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This syngas is then processed into a synthetic crude oil, or syncrude, which is refined in traditional refineries to produce solar gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels.
The key to Synhelion's process is its Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system. This system allows for 24/7 operation by storing solar heat collected during the day for use at night. The TES system is reportedly much cheaper than battery storage and avoids reliance on rare materials typical of batteries.
Synhelion's solar gasoline is chemically identical to conventional gasoline and can be used in existing cars without modifications. This makes it a "drop-in" replacement, meaning it can directly replace fossil fuels in cars, planes, or other engines without infrastructure changes.
The environmental benefits are substantial. Lifecycle analyses show that solar gasoline can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to fossil fuels, supporting sustainability goals in transport.
Synhelion has already demonstrated the compatibility of its renewable synthetic fuel with existing internal combustion engines. During the Supercar Owners Circle (SOC) event in Andermatt, Switzerland, a classic 1985 Audi Sport quattro was powered by Synhelion's solar gasoline. No modifications were made to the Audi's original 306 hp engine for the demonstration.
The Supercar Owners Circle is an exclusive network of auto collectors, recently acquired by the duPont Registry Group. The Audi Sport quattro's successful run at the event showcased the potential of Synhelion's solar gasoline to power vintage and classic cars, as well as more modern models.
Synhelion has also produced an SAF version of its solar fuel at a facility in Spain. The company's pioneering efforts extend beyond cars, with Synhelion pitching solar diesel as a drop-in replacement for steamboat engines.
The DAWN facility in Jülich, Germany, is where Synhelion began producing fuels in quantity last year. Despite the facility's output only being a few thousand liters per year, it serves as a platform for Synhelion to showcase its solar fuels globally.
AMAG Group, a Swiss automotive firm that owns a collection of historic gasmobiles, is both an investor and customer of Synhelion. The research study conducted by Empa (the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) with support from the Swiss oil company Motorex, has shown that synthetic gasoline can be used safely in older engines, making it possible for classic cars to operate in a climate-friendly manner.
Philipp Furler, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Synhelion, stated that even iconic internal combustion engines can have a role in a green future. With Synhelion's solar gasoline, that future seems increasingly within reach.
- In an industry-shaping move, Synhelion's carbon-neutral e-fuels, such as solar gasoline, are set to transform podcast discussions on renewable energy and environmental science.
- With its breakthrough in solar gasoline production, Synhelion is poised to redefine the landscape of the energy sector, a vibrant realm where finance, entrepreneurship, and business insights intertwine.
- With investments in Synhelion, AMAG Group, a major player in the housing market and real-estate, is not just ensuring the sustainable living of its historic gasmobiles but also contributing to the environment-friendly housing lifestyle transformation.
- As the news of Synhelion's solar gasoline spreads, it's becoming increasingly apparent that green hydrogen, a crucial component of this innovative fuel, will play a pivotal role in the escalating climate-change discourse.
- Stemming from the success of solar gasoline in internal combustion engines, lifestyle enthusiasts and home-and-garden enthusiasts alike can envision a future where eco-friendly fuels are readily available, amplifying the growing movement towards sustainable living.
- The technology behind Synhelion's solar gasoline is poised to revolutionize not only the transportation industry but also the way we think about fuel, energy, and the future, captivating the attention of both science scholars and technology enthusiasts alike.
- Synhelion's solar gasoline, with its potential to power classic cars without modifications, may foster a fascinating intersection of environmental policy and the preservation of lifestyle history, as vintage cars navigate the transition towards a greener world.
- The drops in greenhouse gas emissions due to Synhelion's solar gasoline are not only attracting the interest of governmental and corporate entities looking to meet their climate-change goals but also fueling a new era of environmental-science research and innovation.
- The utilization of Synhelion's Thermal Energy Storage system in renewable-energy generation can derail conventional beliefs about battery storage cost and efficiency, opening up a plethora of possibilities for the industry's investments.
- Amidst the growing race towards net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality, Synhelion's solar gasoline presents a beacon of hope for a future where industry, lifestyle, and the environment can coexist in harmony, transcending the boundaries of traditional fossil-fuel reliance.
