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Solar-powered motorcycle voyage: Aldo Steinfeld of ETH Zurich traverses Swiss Alps via first-ever solar gasoline trip; fuel synthesized by Synhelion and generated at the DAWN plant in Germany, made by converting water and carbon dioxide with solar heat.

Eco-friendly bike glided across Lake Zurich's scenic coastline, fueled by a groundbreaking renewable energy source.

Bicycle Propelled by Innovative Green Energy Glides Along the Edges of Lake Zurich in Switzerland
Bicycle Propelled by Innovative Green Energy Glides Along the Edges of Lake Zurich in Switzerland

Solar-powered motorcycle voyage: Aldo Steinfeld of ETH Zurich traverses Swiss Alps via first-ever solar gasoline trip; fuel synthesized by Synhelion and generated at the DAWN plant in Germany, made by converting water and carbon dioxide with solar heat.

In Herrliberg, Switzerland, on a tranquil street along the shores of Lake Zurich, Aldo Steinfeld embarked on a historic ride on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The warm, sunny day provided breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps as Steinfeld powered his bike with a revolutionary fuel produced by solar energy.

The fuel, synthesized at the DAWN plant in Julich, Germany, operated by Synhelion, a company co-founded by Steinfeld, offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum products. The plant, located outside Dusseldorf, uses an array of mirrors to concentrate sunlight and synthesize carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas from biomass and water. A series of chemical reactions then convert this "syngas" into liquid hydrocarbons, non-fossil fuels that can replace traditional fuels seamlessly.

"Renewable fuels such as solar jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline can directly replace fossil fuels and are fully compatible with conventional internal combustion engines, aircraft engines, and existing global fuel infrastructure," explained Synhelion co-founder and co-CEO Philipp Furler. By reusing water and carbon dioxide and employing renewable energy, the process not only reduces carbon emissions but also closes the carbon cycle.

According to calculations by Synhelion and the university ETZ Zurich, their renewable solar fuels emit only as much carbon dioxide as was used to produce them, representing a potential net carbon emissions reduction of up to 99% compared to conventional kerosene. The solar gasoline "delivers the same range and engine performance as fossil gasoline," added Furler.

Synhelion aims to produce 110,000 tons of solar fuel per year by 2030 and over a million tons by 2033, contributing roughly half of Europe's synthetic aviation fuel demand by 2040. The industrial-scale production of sustainable fuels from water and carbon dioxide represents a significant milestone in the transition towards cleaner transportation.

The proof lies in real-world testing, and while DAWN has been operational since late last summer and Synhelion has contracts to develop fuels for clients like the Lufthansa Group and Zurich Airport, nothing compares to a test ride. By late 2024, Synhelion was ready to put its fuel to the test.

The first motorcycle ride powered by solar fuel took place in Switzerland, with Steinfeld as the honored rider. His expertise in the field, having served as Furler's doctoral advisor, played a significant role in the development of Synhelion's solar fuel production concept.

In 2014, under Steinfeld's guidance, Furler and his fellow PhD students demonstrated the feasibility of solar fuel production on a small scale by synthesizing a test tube using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. In 2019, Synhelion produced carbon-neutral fuels from a small-scale demonstration project in Zurich.

As broader implementation of solar fuel becomes a reality, it promises to significantly decarbonize transportation sectors such as shipping and aviation, both traditionally difficult to decarbonize. The scalable and compatible nature of solar fuels with existing infrastructure enables easy transition from traditional fuels without major retrofits to machines, making it an attractive solution for various transportation sectors.

Aldo Steinfeld's ride on a Sunday morning marked not only a successful test but also a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener future for transportation. The motorcycle ride served as a celebration of Steinfeld's lifelong dedication to science and the innovative technology he helped pioneer.

References:

  1. https://www.synhelion.ch/en/about-us/
  2. https://www.wired.com/story/solar-gasoline-the-future-of-aviation-fuel/
  3. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-afria/2020/06/06/making-solar-fuel
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032109000327
  5. https://solic.ethz.ch/en/press-and-media/news/2019/solar-fuel-for-motorcycles.html
  6. Aldo Steinfeld's motorcycle ride, powered by solar fuel, demonstrated the potential of renewable energy in transforming transportation sectors, such as aviation and shipping, which are usually challenging to decarbonize.
  7. The industrial-scale production of solar fuels, like the one at the DAWN plant operated by Synhelion, could significantly contribute to Europe's synthetic aviation fuel demand, helping to reduce carbon emissions and close the carbon cycle.
  8. Synhelion's solar fuels, such as solar jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline, are compatible with conventional engines, technology, and global fuel infrastructure, making their transition seem effortless in the quest for a greener planet and healthier environment.

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