Decarbonisation Technology August 2026 Issue

AT07 AT06 AT05

Ti Ti Ti

AT08

AT04

Cooler

AT03 AT02

Ti Ti

Pressure regulator

Compressor

AT01

Water

Figure 3 Closed carbon cycle enabled by CO₂-derived renewable fuels

available now in the transport sector (see Figure 2). CCC technology has led to the development of two different types of catalysts that can be used in Gas-to-Liquids (G2L) processes (cold reactor/ hot reactor). The production of e-diesel depends on the slurry phase reactor (SPR):  Case 1: FT reactor: liquid catalyst – hot phase (300°C) This reactor operates at 300°C to produce e-diesel (exothermic reaction). At this operating condition, reaction rates are high, favouring faster conversion of syngas (CO and H₂). The process normally produces hydrocarbon chains (16-18 carbon) equivalent to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) biodiesel. Heat removal is critical because the FT reaction is highly exothermic. Temperature control at the reactor ensures catalyst stability and prevents deactivation.  Case 2: FT reactor: liquid catalyst – cold phase (40°C) – under research In the cold phase at 40°C, the liquid catalyst operates at a much lower temperature. Reaction rates are considerably slower. The lower temperature of the reactor helps to improve the stability of the catalyst and reduces thermal dynamic reduction with the cooling system of the reactor. This case is still under research. However, conversion efficiency is reduced compared to high-temperature operation,

and careful control of mass transfer becomes more important. Economic and infrastructure implications As already mentioned, CCC technology for renewable diesel production does not require additional investment in developing or retrofitting refuelling and storage infrastructure. This results in significant savings in both capital (Capex) and operational (Opex) costs. The conversion of flue gas (CO2 capture) into valuable fuels (renewable fuels) instead of carbon emissions creates a new industrial value product while reducing gas emissions and consumption of imported fossil fuels. The local production of renewable diesel and kerosene strengthens regional economies, supports research and development, and generates skilled jobs in engineering, processing, and renewable energy sectors. The scale-up of production – from pilot capacity to industrial level – requires strategic investment in processing plants, carbon capture systems, renewable electricity supply, and sustainable biomass sourcing. With the right policy support and partnerships, CCC technology can become not only an environmental solution but also a driver of long- term economic resilience and energy security. Synthetic fuel production can: • Repurpose industrial CO₂ streams.