Methanol-to-Jet

Challenge

Aviation is considered one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize due to the high volumetric and gravimetric energy density requirements of jet fuels. While biofuels are a potential solution, they are not the only pathway for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Other viable options include direct electrification using batteries, renewable hydrogen, e-kerosene, and hybrid solutions.

Due to the relatively low energy density of batteries, direct electrification of long-haul flights is not considered feasible in the medium term. Similarly, the use of aircraft powered by gas turbines burning pure renewable hydrogen is not a viable option, given the 25+ year investment cycle for commercial aircraft. Therefore, e-kerosene is likely to become the primary pathway for sustainable fuel production in the medium to long term. The Methanol-to-Jet process development project aims to advance the methanol technology pathway for producing e-kerosene.

Project Solution

The goal of the Methanol-to-Jet project is to develop jet fuel to a maturity level with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5-6. This will:

• Establish a robust design foundation for subsequent designs suitable for industrial-scale applications.
• Enable the project to create a strategy for and initiate ASTM certification of the Methanol-to-Jet process for commercial aviation fuel use.
• Provide sufficient confidence in the process to assess its competitiveness compared to alternative SAF pathways.
• Allow for the planning and optimization of future integration of Methanol-to-Jet facilities with the broader energy system.

Impact of the Project

The project aims to reduce the time-to-market for a certified Methanol-to-Jet process, ensuring it becomes available for SAF production as early as possible. This will supplement existing SAF methods and contribute to a rapid and cost-effective transition of aviation fuel consumption away from fossil fuels. Additionally, the project will establish a comprehensive understanding of the Methanol-to-Jet process's competitiveness compared to alternative SAF pathways and identify optimal integration strategies with the surrounding energy system.

Moreover, the project will support Denmark's domestic aviation decarbonization targets and contribute to the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, which aims to increase the uptake of sustainable aviation fuels in the sector.