Power-to-X: A New Pathway for SAF

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June 13, 2024

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by Jefferson dos Santos Estevo* (Advanced Biofuels USA) In the third Webinar, the theme was one of the most promising alternatives for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, not only for civil aviation but in different areas: Power-to-X (PT-X) technology. Before the speakers, an explanatory video about the technology's functioning was shown.

Power-to-X

In general terms, this technology transforms water and CO_² into renewable fuels. To do so sustainably, a renewable energy source—such as solar, wind, or biomass—is used to split water molecules (H_²O) into Hydrogen and Oxygen. For Power-to-X, that hydrogen is then combined with captured carbon ( CO_²). Hydrogen obtained through electrolysis can also be used in various industrial processes, such as the production of SAF.

It is important to highlight that the process can be carried out with any energy, even non-renewable sources. It is used to split water molecules (H_²O) into hydrogen and oxygen. To reduce the carbon footprint, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower or biomass can be used, which helps aviation decarbonization in the production of sustainable fuel. To better explain this technology, three speakers were chosen.

Market Forces

As in the previous two webinars, the host was Hannah Walker from RSB, who introduced Courtney Unruh from Alaska Airlines. In her presentation, Unruh demonstrated how the company is addressing emission reductions, with a goal of using up to 10% SAF in its flights by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. To this end, the company has been collaborating on research in the area, establishing a partnership with Twente and Microsoft, which resulted in a plant in Moses Lake, Washington, set to begin supplying SAF to the company in 2025.

In the context of PT-X, Unruh highlighted the importance of this technology for airlines, indicating that all alternatives for SAF production are essential, as there is a demand that will increase in the coming years. For this particular technology, it is highly sustainable, uses more abundant raw materials - CO_² and H_²O - and has greater ease of production, with smaller plants.

Feedstock and Process

The second speaker was Andy Stevenson from Twelve, who had the challenging task of better explaining PT-X technology. This technology has an advantage over other pathways due to the greater availability of raw materials, making it an important alternative to meet future demand, given its scalable production capacity.

First of all, Stevenson explained the different PT-X technologies, production methods, and uses, which generally uses CO_² as a raw material and a renewable energy source.

The first is the Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS), currently the most used, as the underlying technology is already employed by industries. In summary, as explained in the opening video, H_² is produced, which can ultimately be used for SAF; the main difficulty is the high energy consumption, which, to meet sustainability goals, must come from low carbon intensity sources.

The second is Methanol to Jet (MtJ), whose biggest challenge is the process costs, still under development. In the brief explanation, methanol is produced from the gasification of biomass and waste, as well as low-carbon hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide (CO), which can be converted and used for SAF production.

Twelve is a company specialized in the third technology, CO_² Electrolysis, which uses the most energy among them all, posing a challenge in a world still in energy transition. Basically, its operation involves using renewable energy to produce H_², followed by a biological synthesis gas process to produce an ethanol intermediate. This goes through a thermocatalytic ethanol upgrade step to produce the final SAF product.

Finally, the Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC), which is in the early stages of development by various companies, operates similarly but uses high temperatures.

Stevenson then explained the raw material, generally CO_², derived from biomass. There is a potential for an annual production of 38 billion gallons per year, with the raw material available in North America and Europe.

The pulp and paper industries present the best scenarios for supply of feedstock, mostly in Europe. According to him, there is competition in the market for this raw material, which hinders the increase in SAF production, turning this type of CO_² into a commodity.

Last, Stevenson highlighted the importance of this technology, not only for the SAF sector but also for others, such as the defossilization of the chemical sector. Thus, it is a new technology that involves different, also innovative, processes that, combined and advancing, will be essential for mitigating emissions and consequently combating climate change.

Certifying Sustainability

The last participant, as occurred in the previous instances, is a representative from RSB, who also comments on the sustainability of the process, the "S" in SAF. This time, Carolina Grassi, manager of business and innovation, was chosen. For her, this is a technology termed 4-D, involving: Decarbonizing, Dense, Disruptive, and Diverse. The first, as it is clear, concerns the use of CO_² in the process, which will be used for high and density energy manufacturing, the third for being a technology with global raw materials, and the last for the diversity of productions at its end.

Next, Grassi discusses the sustainability of the entire process, divided into three parts: energy generation, production, and applications.

Initially, it is of paramount importance that the energy source is non-fossil. In the second, the importance of water for H_² production, its sources, whether there is waste, its social impact, etc.; and also, the origin of the CO_² that will be used in the conversion. Finally, sustainability relates to how the final results will be utilized, such as the amount of emission reductions, for example with SAF. It is important to note that hydrogen might be obtained from other sustainable feedstock and processes in addition to electrolysis of water.

As explained in previous webinars, RSB and other certifiers seek to assess the entire SAF manufacturing process, which is no different in this pathway, considering environmental and social issues, in other words, sustainability.

Subsequently, certifications are generated, which differ for each activity and degree of sustainability. In terms of electricity, RSB considers it relevant that it be renewable, with two possibilities. Connected directly to the grid, with 90% from renewable sources, or with its own installation, with active production for a minimum of 3 years. In other words, there are various analyses regarding electricity, different criteria are evaluated.

Regarding CO_², it can be of biogenic, non-biogenic, or capture origin.The sources, in the case of the former, must be evaluated in the same way as the capture process was conducted. It is also important to identify that the CO_² from the process did not receive any reduction count, avoiding double counting. Next, Grassi emphasizes the importance of the water used in the process, which, as indicated, must have its origin understood, its disposal, social involvement, waste, etc.

Finally, she describes in a more comprehensive way the certificates or Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) from the PT-X process. These must reduce emissions by at least 70% compared to fossil fuels, in relation to the production chain previously mentioned. Furthermore, this count must be carried out by companies using recognized and respected methodologies.

In general, this presentation addressed the potential of PT-X technology for SAF. It has enormous potential, as its main raw material is CO_² derived from biomass, which is generally an underutilized source. However, renewable sources of electricity must be used, which is a challenge for some countries. This is an important alternative, still in its early stages, but it will be essential to meet the fuel demand in the coming years.

Power-to-X: A new technology for SAF Short VIDEO
Watch presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpr81taU1wU

*Post-doctoral researcher in Political Science at the Federal University of Goias, Brazil. Fellow of CNPQ and FAPEG jeffersonestevo@ufg.br

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Twelve Launches "Fuel for the Long Haul" Campaign Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Aviation (Twelve Benefit Corporation)

Excerpt from Twelve Benefit Corporation: Carbon Transformation Company Presents E-Jet® SAF as the Future of Fossil-Free Aviation Fuel in Multichannel Brand Campaign -- - Twelve™, the carbon transformation company that turns CO2 into products, today (June 18, 2024) announced the launch of its "Fuel for the Long Haul™" brand campaign introducing an industry-first breakthrough technology and the company's first market offering, E-Jet® Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Twelve's E-Jet® is an e-SAF, which is a fuel made from CO2, water, and renewable energy, resulting in up to 90% lower lifecycle emissions compared with conventional jet fuel. e-SAFs use up to 1,000 times less water and 30 times less land than biofuels and other SAF options on the market.

"Fuel for the Long Haul" is a multichannel brand campaign that celebrates a bold new standard for aviation's sustainable future by introducing the world to E-Jet® SAF. The campaign will appear in out-of-home advertising, print, digital, installations, and via both online and in-person events to advance education and dialogue among industry leaders and travelers alike.

Since its inception in 2015, Twelve has established itself as a pioneer in climate tech, working to build a fossil-free future through the science of carbon transformation and electrochemistry. With the imminent debut of E-Jet® SAF, the company's partnerships with leaders of industry, such as International Airlines Group (IAG) and British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Microsoft, Shopify, SABA, Boston Consulting Group, and Etihad Airways, paired with its numerous accolades and industry achievements – including World Economic Forum and UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge winner (2024), MIT's 15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch (2023), and TIME Best Inventions (2022), among others – demonstrate the impact and credibility of Twelve's ongoing work within the sector.

"We have a roadmap to achieve net zero by 2050 including a target to fly with 10% Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030," said Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG. "The shortage of sustainable fuel globally continues to be a problem for our industry although innovative companies like Twelve are an important part of the solution."

Global aviation will consume nearly 100 billion gallons of fuel this year alone due to the resurgence of tourism, emitting nearly 1 billion tons of CO2. With an increased worldwide focus on reducing emissions, both the U.S. and E.U. have set ambitious targets for SAF production and use via the landmark 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, follow-on state legislation, and the E.U.'s own SAF mandate, signaling strong market demand and regulatory support for the industry. While SAF is critical to decarbonizing aviation, E-Jet® leads the charge with up to 90% lower lifecycle emissions, as not all SAF delivers equal decarbonization impact.

"Aviation sits at the center of the global supply chain and holds the power to connect each of us with our customers and loved ones," said Nicholas Flanders, CEO and Co-Founder of Twelve. "Innovation, connection, and education are at the heart of the 'Fuel for the Long Haul' campaign and E-Jet® fuel represents more than just a product. It symbolizes our larger commitment to creating a fossil-free future made possible by the incredible potential of carbon transformation technology. This campaign is about celebrating our milestones and, more urgently, rallying industry to join us in this critical mission."

Twelve invites industry stakeholders and everyday travelers alike to join the movement towards sustainable aviation through education on this breakthrough technology. Discover more about E-Jet® SAF and the "Fuel for the Long Haul" campaign by visiting www.twelve.co/ejet.

About Twelve:
Twelve™ is the carbon transformation company. We're on a mission to eliminate global emissions and build a fossil-free future. Carbon transformation uses CO2 to displace fossil fuels as a feedstock. Opus™, Twelve's revolutionary carbon transformation technology, works like industrial photosynthesis. It transforms CO2, water, and renewable energy into hydrocarbons, the building blocks for essential chemicals, materials, and fuels. Twelve can make the same chemicals, materials, and fuels from CO2 that are conventionally made from fossil fuels. Learn more at www.twelve.co. READ MORE