Project: JEThylene – Synthesis of JET fuel via electrochemical CO2 reduction to ethylene

JEThylen investigates sustainable aviation fuels production via a power-to-liquid process. Thereby, the project is taking a disruptive approach by directly reducing CO₂ electrochemically to ethylene. 

Power-to-Liquid processes are usually based on water electrolysis, consecutive thermochemical processes convert hydrogen to fuels or chemicals. JEThylen develops an electrochemical process for direct ethylene production from CO₂ and water. Ethylene is then used for the synthesis of sustainable aviation fuel. This approach may offer higher energy efficiency, reduced process complexity and new industrial value chains.

Ethylene is also of enormous economic significance as the most important organic base chemical in the chemical industry. In addition to sustainable fuels, JEThylen also offers prospects for climate-neutral chemicals production.

Bauhaus Luftfahrt is responsible for system analyses within the JEThylen project. Among other objectives, a process model will be established as a basis to compare JEThylen with alternative pathways based on techno-economic analyses. The aim is to quantify potential benefits of sustainable aviation fuel production based on the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to ethylene.

Siemens Energy

Technische Universität Berlin

Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB