TAKE-OFF project

Join us for the TAKE-OFF Final Conference on the 11th of December 2024 at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) in Brussels, where we will explore the final results and future prospects of the TAKE-OFF project and synthetic Sustainable Aviation Fuels (#eSAF) production. To reduce GHG emissions in the aviation sector, the European Commission has set, through the #RefuelEU Aviation Regulation, binding targets for the supply of synthetic SAF in aviation. It is therefore crucial that the technologies for the production of such fuels are scaled up at an accelerated pace to provide the necessary volumes. The conference will present the most innovative outcomes of the TAKE-OFF project from a technical viewpoint while highlighting the crucial role of standardisation and certification of eSAF for the future of aviation and the importance of a supportive policy framework for the deployment of eSAF in the aviation fuel mix. Furthermore, the TAKE-OFF final conference will highlight the advancements of key projects focused on developing and commercialising eSAF and foster dialogue between policymakers, fuel producers, and airlines to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout of eSAF across Europe. This event will be of great interest to aviation professionals, policymakers, and sustainability advocates eager to learn how eSAF is key to a sustainable, safe, and economically viable future for aviation. Have a look at the draft agenda (https://shorturl.at/JJPSq) and register (https://shorturl.at/KZd3s) by the 4th of December at the latest. For more information please email Antonio La Mantia at antonio.lamantia@co2value.eu. The TAKE-OFF project has developed an innovative and energy-efficient process to produce synthetic eSAF by converting CO₂ and renewable hydrogen into eSAF, using olefins as intermediates. This technology captures CO₂ from industrial sources or through Direct Air Capture, combining it with green hydrogen to create light olefins, which are then upgraded into eSAF. #SustainableAviationFuel #AviationSustainability #CleanAviation #CarbonNeutralAviation #ClimateAction #NetZeroAviation #SustainableFuels #RenewableEnergy #EUClimateGoals #SAF

On 24 October, Peter Moser from our project partner RWT, presented the TAKE-OFF project at the #GHGT17 in Canada during the session 11A Thermochemical CO₂ Conversion. Peter’s presentation titled “From CO₂ and H₂ to sustainable aviation fuel - TAKE-OFF” shared important findings on the feasibility of the direct synthesis route from H₂ and CO₂ to synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (#eSAF) in comparison to the Fischer-Tropsch method. Early analysis shows that direct synthesis isn’t yet economically competitive, but there is promise in optimising processes - through advanced catalysts, control overreactions, and better utilisation of purge flows - to improve both cost-effectiveness and carbon efficiency. The EU’s #ReFuelEU regulation aims to boost synthetic aviation fuels by mandating minimum SAF quotas, sub quotas for synthetic fuels, and implementing strict penalties for non-compliance with ETS Aviation targets. With the phase-out of free allowances for aviation starting in 2024, support through the European Innovation Fund and further ETS allowances will help bridge the cost gap between SAF/eSAF and traditional kerosene. Peter also emphasised that a sustainable business case for eSAF requires a robust regulatory framework and long-term financial incentives. Ultimately, it’s up to society and businesses to invest in the costs today for the decarbonisation of the aviation sector. The GHGT-17 conference is the world’s leading forum for innovations in greenhouse gas reduction, focusing on carbon capture and utilisation and carbon capture and storage (#CCU and #CCS). This event brings together top researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and business leaders from around the world to explore cutting-edge low-carbon technology and mitigation strategies. #SustainableAviation #InnovationInAviation #ClimateAction

As part of TAKE-OFF participation in Enlit Europe, our Project Coordinator Georgiana Stan from TNO was interviewed on a podcast focusing on the advancements and challenges in developing and scaling synthetic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) technologies. Here’s a brief look into our conversation and how projects like TAKE-OFF aim to reshape the aviation industry. 🔵 SAF Innovations SAFs, both biofuels and renewable "power-to-X" e-fuels, represent essential alternatives to conventional jet fuels, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 100% depending on feedstock. While biofuels derive from biomass, e-fuels use renewable electricity, offering long-term CO₂ reduction potential essential for achieving net-zero goals in aviation. 🔵 Challenges & Scaling Up To meet future demand, scaling eSAF production requires supportive policies, cost reduction, and substantial investments in infrastructure. However, high costs, renewable electricity demand, and competition for resources remain challenges. Government policies, like the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, are pivotal, setting SAF mandates and financial support structures to drive adoption. 🔵 TAKE-OFF Project Goals Funded by the EU's Horizon 2020, TAKE-OFF brings together ten partners across Europe to innovate in SAF production through CO₂ conversion technologies. By developing new catalysts and optimising reactors, TAKE-OFF aims to boost efficiency by 25% and lower engine emissions—achieving a truly sustainable fuel. 🔵 The Path Forward As demand for air travel grows, so does the need for sustainable options. Over the next decade, SAF advancements, infrastructure development, and consumer support will be critical. Together with government and industry alignment, these steps pave the way for SAF's role in a net-zero aviation future. Listen to the podcast 👇. #ENLITEurope #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #SustainableAviation #Innovation #RenewableEnergy #Decarbonisation #SAF

This morning, Lawien Zubeir from our project partner TNO participated in the panel session "A Future Based on RES" at the EU Projects Zone Hub during the final day of Enlit Europe. Lawien, alongside experts from innovative projects such as SEMPRE-BIO PROJECT, 3Bee, ThumbsUp, HYSTORE PROJECT EU, and HE Reformer, provided key insights into the latest advancements in the TAKE-OFF project, focusing on renewable energy integration and the transformative role of synthetic aviation fuel (eSAF) in building a sustainable future for aviation. During the session, Lawien highlighted our project’s progress, sharing exciting results ahead of our final conference on 11th December. Notably, TAKE-OFF’s breakthrough in catalyst development is enabling the direct conversion of CO₂ and H2 into light olefins—an advancement that skips the traditional intermediate methanol synthesis step resulting in CAPEX and energy savings. Key Achievements Discussed: 🔵 Successful synthesis of light olefins directly from CO₂ and H₂, with ~90% selectivity and efficient CO recycling. 🔵 Advances in oligomerisation to jet fuel, achieving high selectivity (>80%) in liquid-range oligomers and over 90% conversion rates using nickel catalysts. 🔵 The TNO-patented SIENNA reactor with in-situ water separation, showing a 40% increase in methanol productivity. These developments not only highlight TAKE-OFF’s potential to contribute to the advancement of synthetic fuel production, but also showcase the significant role of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (#CCU) in advancing sustainable energy solutions. #RenewableEnergy #SustainableAviation #SyntheticFuels #EnergyInnovation

We are delighted to be exhibiting at Enlit Europe, taking place in Milan (Italy) from 22-24 October! We invite you to visit our booth 👉 Hall 6, 6.E10-EU14. As part of this vibrant forum, Georgiana Stan (TNO), Lawien Zubeir (TNO) and Antonio La Mantia (CO2 Value Europe) will showcase the TAKE-OFF efforts in advancing more sustainable and reliable synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF). Join us to explore cutting-edge solutions and discuss how we can collaborate to drive aviation’s sustainable transition forward. ENLIT Europe is a key platform that connects industries, inspires action, and accelerates Europe’s journey towards a decarbonised and digitalised energy system. The event brings together leaders and innovators from across sectors, providing opportunities to collaborate in delivering more sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy. With 15,000 attendees expected in person, ENLIT covers all aspects of the energy agenda, fostering partnerships with both established players and disruptors. During the event, Lawien Zubeir from our project partner TNO will be participating in the session "A Future Based on RES" on 24 October from 10 to 11:30 am, at the EU Projects Zone Hub - Theatre 1 (Hall 6). This session will explore how new technologies and renewable energy sources are shaping the future of energy systems. Lawien, along with representatives from other innovative projects like SEMPRE-BIO, 3Bee, ThumbsUp, HYSTORE, and HE Reformer, will discuss advancements in the TAKE-OFF project, renewable energy integration, and the role of synthetic aviation fuel solutions for sustainable aviation. #ENLITEurope #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #SustainableAviation #Innovation #RenewableEnergy #Decarbonisation

On the 3rd of October, Monalisa Goswami from our project partner TNO presented the TAKE-OFF project at the 8th CO₂ Value Europe Days & General Assembly, organised by our project partner CO2 Value Europe in Grenoble, France. During the panel discussion on “Showcasing the progress in CCU project development”, Monalisa shared the latest updates from TAKE-OFF, including the project’s pathway and some exciting preliminary results ahead of our final conference in December. Key achievements highlighted include: Light olefin synthesis directly from CO₂ and H₂: 🔵 ~90% selectivity to light olefins 🔵 Low methane production and efficient CO recycling 🔵 Stable performance Oligomerisation of light olefins into jet fuel: 🔵 High selectivity (>80%) in liquid range oligomers 🔵 Nickel catalysts with >90% conversion and strong stability The TNO-patented technology in-situ water separation reactor (SIENNA) using membrane enhancement was also presented. The reactor demonstrated a 25% increase in single-pass methanol productivity—a promising step towards more efficient synthetic fuel production. Monalisa emphasised that with more selective membranes the process could be further boost performance. These developments represent a significant step forward in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, showcasing the potential of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) in driving innovation within the energy sector beyond the Fischer-Tropsch route. Funded by the Horizon 2020 EU programme, the TAKE-OFF project is pioneering a unique technology to convert CO₂ and renewable hydrogen into SAF via olefins as an intermediate. This process aims to deliver a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution compared to other power-to-liquid alternatives. The project’s route captures CO₂ from industrial flue gas or Direct Air Capture, which reacts with hydrogen produced using renewable electricity to form light olefins. These olefins are then chemically upgraded into SAF, with all key steps being demonstrated under industrially relevant conditions. More on the project at www.takeoff-project.eu.

Celebrating Success: Samy Aïssiou from UniLille Defends PhD Thesis within TAKE-OFF Project On the 26th of June, Samy Aïssiou from our project partner Lille University of Science and Technology successfully defended his PhD thesis, which was developed within the framework of our TAKE-OFF project. This work was supervised by Dr. Nicolas Merle and Prof. Mathieu Sauthier from Université de Lille, and was carried out in the UCCS laboratory in Villeneuve d'Ascq. Samy’s thesis outlines the development of innovative heterogeneous nickel catalysts for oligomerizing light olefins. These nickel-based solids are highly effective due to their ability to activate light olefins at low temperatures, which minimises coke formation and enhances catalyst longevity while being energy-efficient. Additionally, they can activate ethylene and propylene at similar rates under suitable conditions, making them ideal for utilising a mixture of light olefins produced from the hydrogenation of CO₂. To advance understanding beyond traditional heterogeneous nickel catalysts, this research employed surface organometallic chemistry. By using well-defined supports and organometallic precursors, the study achieved precise single-site catalysts, enabling detailed analysis of their structure-activity relationships. The synthesized nickel complexes, chosen for their thermal stability and reactivity, were grafted under mild conditions to minimise impurities. Various silica-alumina ratios proved effective as supports. The catalysts showed high activity in ethylene oligomerization, confirming their efficiency. Ongoing tests with ethylene and propylene aim to evaluate selectivity and stability under high pressure. The TAKE-OFF project, funded by the #Horizon2020 EU program, is exploring the development of a unique technology based on the conversion of CO₂ and renewable hydrogen to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via olefins as an intermediate. This technology route aims to deliver a highly innovative process that produces SAF at lower costs and higher energy efficiency compared to other power-to-liquid alternatives currently available. The TAKE-OFF route consists of capturing CO₂ from industrial flue gas or Direct Air Capture which reacts with hydrogen produced by renewable electricity to create light olefins. These light olefins are subsequently chemically upgraded into SAF. All innovative steps in upgrading CO₂ will be demonstrated under industrially relevant conditions. Find a summary of Samy’s thesis at https://shorturl.at/VUApK. In the picture, from left to right: Dr. Lionel Magna (IFPEN Lyon), Dr. Mostafa Taoufik (University Claude Bernard of Lyon), Prof. Carole Lamonier (University of Lille), Pr. Montserrat Gomez (University Paul Sabatier of Toulouse), Dr. Samy Aïssiou, Dr. Dorothée Laurenti (University Claude Bernard of Lyon), Pr. Mathieu Sauthier and Dr. Nicolas Merle (University of Lille).

From July 14-19, our member Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark (SDU) presented a scientific poster on our project at the 18th International Congress on Catalysis in Lyon, France.   The poster, titled “LCA of Power-to-Liquid Kerosene Production via Fischer-Tropsch Pathway, Benchmarking for Olefins Pathway in the TAKE-OFF Project,” was presented by Hadis Marami, Research Assistant at SDU.   As climate change concerns escalate and the aviation industry's carbon footprint remains a critical issue, the push for sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) is more important than ever. SAFs, derived from renewable resources, offer a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil-based fuels. Among the innovative SAF production technologies, Power-to-Liquids (PtL) is emerging as a leading method in the aviation sector. PtL involves converting CO₂ and H₂ into fuel through chemical processes like Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, a proven technique for producing SAFs.   The TAKE-OFF project, launched in 2021, aims to develop next-generation technology for producing sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) from CO₂ and H₂, addressing the aviation industry's carbon footprint through innovative Power-to-Liquids (PtL) technology. TAKE-OFF’s technology involves two process lines:   🔵 Line 1: Captured CO₂ and H₂ are first converted to Methanol (MeOH)/ dimethyl ether (DME), then to light olefins.   🔵 Line 2: Directly converts H₂ and CO₂ to light olefins with process improvements from TAKE-OFF’s research.   Find the scientific poster at https://rb.gy/4jop9l. 

Dear TAKE-OFF Partners and Friends,   We are in the middle of the project's last year in which most of the partners' collaborations are coming together. I am grateful for all the connections, discussions and research witnessed during the past 3 years and a half. Last month, the TAKE-OFF consortium partners met in Odense for the last General Assembly meeting which was followed by the Open Doors Day where the preliminary results of the economic and environmental assessment of TAKE-OFF technologies were shared with a wider audience. The continuous progress of the consortium shows great commitment and dedication. For the direct CO₂ conversion, we are in the middle of an extensive experimental campaign, including tests with captured CO₂ from the RWE Site. Regarding the oligomerization process, the team in Lille is running the setup to obtain the jet fuel sample, which will be further analysed and tested by SkyNRG and RWTH team. Meanwhile, experimental campaigns are taking place to understand the NOx and Soot emissions from the TAKE-OFF fuel. Furthermore, the environmental and the techno-economic evaluations were developed, and the preliminary results were shared in Odense during the GA Meeting and the Open Doors Day. We are very active in dissemination activities, with multiple articles published and many more planned, participation in conferences, webinars, and other events. For example, TAKE-OFF is currently represented at Sustainable Aviation Fuels EU Congress among others. All further events will be announced on the website and LinkedIn with 2024 projected to be a very active year in which we will share all our results with the world.   Have a nice read, Georgiana Stan TAKE-OFF Project Coordinator 

From 12-13 June, the TAKE-OFF consortium gathered in Odense (DK) to hold its Spring General Assembly. This assembly was even more valuable in light of the upcoming end of our project in December 2024. As such, it was a unique opportunity for our project partners to share their major milestones and results, take stock of the current status of TAKE-OFF and discuss the most effective ways of tackling the last challenges that may lie ahead. The meeting focused in particular on the takeaways from the project on Life Cycle and Techno-economic Assessments, as well as the future scenarios of the TAKE-OFF route. Over the next months, our consortium will attend several conferences and exhibitions to disseminate the project’s final results to the broadest possible spectrum of stakeholders, including the aviation sector, policymakers and fuel producers. Tak Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark for hosting us at your wonderful premises in Odense!