The solar fuels movement is experiencing a resurgence, with Swiss firm Synhelion leading the charge by introducing its innovative sunlight-to-fuel technology to Spain. This initiative follows the successful operation of its pilot facility, Plant DAWN, in Jülich, Germany, which has demonstrated the considerable potential of concentrating solar power (CSP) in generating sustainable fuels.
Concentrating solar power employs arrays of specialized mirrors to focus sunlight onto a central receiver, where it heats a fluid—often molten salt—that can produce steam for turbines or provide heat for various industrial processes. This system differs from traditional solar panels in its ability to store energy in the heat-retaining fluid, enabling it to generate power long after the sun sets. This capability positions CSP as a critical player in the renewable energy landscape, especially for industrial applications.
Historically, the U.S. Department of Energy supported CSP projects under the Obama administration, but private investment in this technology diminished. However, recent years have seen renewed interest, particularly in leveraging CSP for solar fuel production. Research teams have been exploring the use of high temperatures generated by CSP systems to drive thermochemical reactions, which could lead to the production of green hydrogen, a crucial component in the transition to sustainable energy.
Synhelion is at the forefront of this innovation, having developed a scalable solar fuel production system in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Their facility in Germany, known as Plant DAWN, has been operational since late summer 2022 and has reportedly surpassed initial performance expectations. “Industrial-scale solar fuel production at DAWN has proven our technology and demonstrated that we are ready for commercial production,” stated Synhelion in a recent press release.
The Plant DAWN facility utilizes a brick-type thermal energy storage system, alongside a field of heliostats for the concentrating solar system, and an array of solar panels. This hybrid approach enables the facility to store and discharge heat for approximately 16 hours, showcasing its ability to provide continuous energy supply. Notably, Synhelion claims that their thermal energy storage technology is at least ten times cheaper than traditional lithium-ion battery storage, while also circumventing the environmental and ethical issues associated with battery production.
Looking ahead, Synhelion is not resting on its laurels. The company is preparing for a follow-up project named RISE, which will be located in Spain and is expected to begin operations by 2027. This facility represents Synhelion’s first commercial-scale endeavor, with ambitious plans to ramp up production to 1 million tons of solar fuel annually by 2033. By 2040, they aim to meet half of Europe’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand, potentially transforming the aviation sector’s reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition to the RISE project, Synhelion is exploring opportunities for another facility in Morocco, which was selected for its excellent solar resources and existing industrial infrastructure. This expansion highlights the growing global recognition of CSP technology and its potential applications in various markets.
Despite the promise of CSP, significant challenges remain. According to Ed Crooks from Wood Mackenzie, while there is enthusiasm for solar fuels, technology hurdles and investor hesitance continue to impede commercial development within the U.S. “The steep learning curve and capital intensity of CSP plants present barriers to deployment,” he observed. As of last summer, the Department of Energy had more than two dozen CSP research projects underway, totaling nearly $100 million in funding. However, the future of these projects may be uncertain as political and economic factors play a role in shaping energy policy.
Synhelion’s advancements in solar fuels are revitalizing interest in concentrating solar power, illustrating its potential as a sustainable energy source. As the company prepares for commercial-scale operations and embarks on ambitious new projects, the success of Plant DAWN may pave the way for broader adoption of solar fuels, contributing significantly to global efforts aimed at achieving a cleaner energy future.
