MHI Demonstrates integrated Process for Liquid Synthetic Fuel Production

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has successfully demonstrated an integrated production process for liquid synthetic fuels derived from carbon dioxide, water, and electricity. The demonstration took place at MHI's Research & Innovation Center in Nagasaki.

The process utilizes Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) co-electrolysis to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which then serve as feedstock for Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis to create liquid fuels. Chemical analysis confirmed that the synthesized liquid fuel contained components suitable for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Co-electrolysis allows for the simultaneous electrolysis of both water vapor and carbon dioxide, simplifying the process and improving efficiency. MHI is developing its proprietary tubular SOEC cell technology to further enhance economic efficiency and produce cost-competitive synthetic fuels. This technology is crucial for decarbonizing the aviation sector, as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aims for net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, which is expected to drive significant demand for SAF.

Beyond SAF, the hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced can be used as feedstock for other carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, including gasoline, diesel, methanol, and methane for automobiles and ships, as well as city gas. MHI aims to offer high-value SAF production systems by combining SOEC co-electrolysis with existing FT synthesis processes, contributing to the realization of a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.