At the Lleida-Alguaire airport, a day in format demo day has put the spotlight on the synthetic biofuels for aviation (eSAF) as a way to reduce emissions in air transport. The event, promoted by the H2CAT network and with the participation of Eurecat, showcased technologies to convert CO2 captured and renewable hydrogen in kerosene compatible with the current fleet.
Beyond the technological showcase, the event came at just the right time: European regulations are already tightening with clear mix targets and deadlines. In this area, the eSAF is gaining ground for its decarbonization potential and for integrate into existing infrastructure, although it still drags cost and scaling challenges.
H2CAT and Eurecat: the laboratory that connects to the runway
During the day there were live demonstrations and spaces for networking between research groups and companies. Among the highlights, a pilot team that, Using sunlight, it transforms CO2 and water into a gas suitable for fuel synthesis, the cornerstone of future eSAF chains.
Eurecat highlighted its capacity to capture and reuse CO2, green hydrogen and advanced catalysts, supported by pilot plants designed to accelerate transfer to industry. This combination allows shorten scaling times and connect innovation with the productive fabric of the territory.
The H2CAT network, coordinated by Eurecat, integrates the infrastructure and capabilities of 17 research entities in Catalonia, with more than 80 groups and 360 researchers. Its mission is to promote renewable hydrogen and its applications, including the production of synthetic aviation fuels, following technical and certification frameworks aligned with ICAO and LAC.
What is eSAF and why is it key?
The eSAF (also called power-to-liquids) is produced from Captured CO2 and renewable H2, both combined through synthesis processes to obtain hydrocarbons with aeronautical specifications. Being a fuel drop in, does not require changes in engines or logistics, which facilitates its deployment in airports and airlines.
Its differential value compared to other routes is that, if it is powered by renewable electricity and CO2 is captured from biogenic sources or from the air, can drastically reduce the carbon footprint compared to fossil kerosene. The key lies in the availability of H2 green at a competitive price and with CO2 suitable for synthetic processes, in addition to a reliable supply chain.
Costs, bottlenecks and the regulatory push
Today, the big obstacle is the price: different analyses place the eSAF in the range of 4.000 to 8.225 €/t, compared to €650-816/t for conventional fuel. Although the technology is mature at pilot and demonstration scales, the challenge is industrialize at reasonable costs and guarantee long-term supply contracts.
The European framework acts as a lever. ReFuelEU Aviation requires the introduction increasing percentages of SAF on flights departing from the EU and sets, within that total, a specific eSAF quota: at least 1,2% in 2030 with progressive scaling until reaching the 35% in 2050By 2030 alone, Spanish airports could need about 100.000 tons of synthetic fuel.
Spain has an advantage in renewable resources, something that, according to sector estimates, could cut up to €2.000/t if it is manufactured locally and optimized access to green electricity. Still, it is required mobilize investment and provide regulatory certainty: some companies have reconsidered projects due to cost gaps and market volatility.
Technological routes and first movements in Spain
Companies and R&D centers are exploring various avenues to produce eSAF at scale: Fischer-Tropsch from gas synthesis, routes based on intermediate alcohols or hybrid combinations that integrate CO2 capture, electrolysis and catalytic conversion. The goal is to achieve ASTM quality synthetic kerosene in a stable and competitive manner.
At the industrial level, agreements have already been announced for develop eSAF facilities in Spain, evaluating options such as Fischer-Tropsch and other synthesis routes. These initiatives place the country on the path to pioneering projects, while placing emphasis on securing raw materials for processing (green CO2 and H2) and long-term renewable energy contracts.
From the technological field, there is an insistence on a clear framework of certification and traceability, access to financing and public-private partnerships that reduce risk in the engineering, construction, and commissioning phases. With regulatory demand guaranteed, the priority is to transform prototypes and pilots in plants with sustained production.
With the H2CAT demonstrations in Lleida-Alguaire, the technical and regulatory aspects are beginning to come together: the eSAF advances as a solution for the decarbonization of European skies, but it needs volume, investment and contracts to truly take off.
