The German company INERATEC has officially activated ERA ONE, the largest European facility dedicated to the production of carbon-neutral e-fuels. Located in the Frankfurt-Höchst industrial park, the plant uses CO₂ of biogenic origin and renewable hydrogen to synthesize synthetic crude oil, which is subsequently transformed into e-diesel, synthetic kerosene and other chemicals.
E-fuels for carbon neutral mobility
With an annual capacity of up to 2,500 tons, ERA ONE marks Europe’s entry into commercial e-fuel production. commercial production of e-fuels. These fuels, compatible with existing systems, represent a viable alternative for sectors where electrification presents challenges, such as aviation and shipping.
Tim Böltken, CEO of the company, said, “The plant not only demonstrates the technical maturity of synthetic fuels, but their full market availability. This is a key step towards complying with regulations such as ReFuelEU Aviation, which imposes quotas for sustainable fuels.
Modular production in the Hessian industrial center
The modular design of the technology developed by INERATEC allows production to be scaled up rapidly. Additional projects are already planned to increase the volume before 2030. Both the CO₂ and the hydrogen used in the plant come from local industrial processes, which favors a closed and sustainable supply chain.
ERA ONE has been financed through a combination of debt and grants. The European Investment Bank provided €40 million, while Breakthrough Energy Catalyst added another €30 million. The company’s investors include firms such as Piva Capital, TDK Ventures and Honda, underlining the global interest in decarbonization technologies.
The synthetic crude oil produced is not limited to being refined as fuel. It can also be used to generate basic chemicals such as sustainable plastics. Thus, ERA ONE is driving the transition of both the transport and the European chemical industry.
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Source and photos: INERATEC
