On a rooftop in New York’s fashion district, start-up Aircela has unveiled its first working machine capable of making synthetic gasoline from air. The prototype was demonstrated to the public and investors at an event attended by local officials and executives from major shipping companies. The technology combines directCO2 capturewith fuel synthesis in a single compact unit.
Ready-to-use synthetic gasoline
The modular system developed by Aircela converts 10 kg ofCO2 into four liters of gasoline. gasoline per day. The resulting fuel contains no sulfur or additives and can be used without modifying existing engines. According to the company, this approach makes it possible to decarbonize without changing infrastructure, habits or vehicles.
Unlike large industrial synthetic fuel projects, Aircela’s solution is designed to produce fuel on-site. This makes it attractive for isolated areas, ports, islands or even emergency situations where access to energy supply is critical.
Support from key investors and first applications
The company, founded in 2019 by brothers Mia and Eric Dahlgren, is backed by influential figures such as Chris Larsen (Ripple Labs), Jeff Ubben (ExxonMobil) and Maersk’s venture capital arm. The latter stresses that Aircela could transform shipping. maritime transport and become a direct supplier of low-carbon fuels.
Richard Kauffman, New York State Energy Chairman, and Councilman Erik Bottcher attended the event. Both praised the pragmatic nature of the technology, which eliminates emissions without requiring new mobility systems.
Although the machine’s energy efficiency is lower than that of electrical systems (due to the multiple transformations required for synthesis), its advantage lies in its carbon neutrality. carbon neutrality. All theCO2 emitted when burning the fuel was previously extracted from the air, closing the emissions cycle.
Costs and commercial deployment
The estimated initial cost per unit is between 14,000 and 18,500 euros, aimed at early adopters. However, Aircela is confident that mass production will allow these values to be reduced. The company expects to begin commercial deployment in the fall.
The Aircela machine symbolizes an intermediate alternative between full electrification and the prolonged use of fossil fuels. Its plug-and-play design, with no need for grid, storage or complex logistics, could ease the transition in sectors where electrification is not yet feasible.
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Source and photos: Aircela via GLOBE NEWSWIRE
