University of Szeged researchers to develop synthetic e-fuels

Researchers at the University of Szeged (SZTE) have secured 2 billion HUF in funding to develop energy-efficient methods for producing carbon dioxide-based e-fuels. Led by Csaba Janáky, the project aims to create liquid synthetic fuels, such as aviation kerosene and road gasoline, by combining renewable electricity, carbon dioxide, and water.

The research will utilize the infrastructure of the SZTE Science Park, specifically the Energy Innovation Test Station and the Greennovation Center. The team intends to optimize the Fischer-Tropsch reaction—a process that converts synthesis gas, composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, into liquid hydrocarbons—to improve efficiency. While the concept of creating fuel from CO2 and water is not new, the project focuses on the novel integration of these process elements to produce competitive e-kerosene and e-gasoline using green hydrogen and industrial-grade carbon dioxide.