Power- and Biogas-to-Liquid
The Power- and Biogas-to-Liquid (PBtL) pathway combines renewable resources and advanced technology to produce sustainable aviation fuel. The process begins with biomass such as agricultural residues, food waste, or green waste, which is converted in biogas plants into a gas mixture consisting of methane and CO₂. There are then two main options for converting this raw biogas into synthesis gas composed of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO): reforming technologies or plasmalysis. The resulting synthesis gas is subsequently converted into hydrocarbon chains through Fischer–Tropsch synthesis or methanol synthesis. These intermediates can then be further refined into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The key advantage of this pathway lies in the combination of biogenic carbon and hydrogen, supplemented by renewable electricity for process operation, enabling the complete replacement of fossil feedstocks. Since a large share of the required process energy is already contained within the biogas itself, the electricity demand of PBtL is significantly lower than that of conventional Power-to-Liquid technologies. In addition, this pathway can utilize wet residual biomass that is not suitable for the Biomass-to-Liquid route. Another important benefit is that underutilized organic waste streams can be transformed into valuable resources, while creating new jobs in the collection and pre-processing of these materials. One challenge of this pathway is that biogas is already a valuable resource that could alternatively be used to replace natural gas for the benefit of local communities, for example for electricity generation or cooking. Therefore, each project requires a careful assessment to determine the most beneficial use from both social and environmental perspectives. While the first facilities based on reforming technologies are already under construction, plasmalysis-based pathways for SAF production are still under development. We are currently evaluating opportunities for the deployment of PBtL facilities in Nigeria.
Our Power and Biogas-to-Liquid Projects
SAF from Biomethane in Brazil
Status: In Concept Development
Actively seeking project partners to initiate first feasibility studies.
In Brazil, together with local partners, we assessed the potential for producing sustainable aviation fuels from residual feedstocks via a Power- and Biogas-to-Liquid (PBtL) pathway. In addition to commercial and technical considerations, we placed a strong emphasis on environmental and social impacts. Particular attention was given to issues such as food security, ecosystem protection, and alternative uses of biogas. We also carefully examined potential risks associated with the use of sugarcane bagasse, including indirect land-use change (ILUC) and the possible expansion of agricultural land required to meet future feedstock demand.
Plasmalysis Technology
Status: In Concept Development
Actively seeking project partners to initiate first feasibility studies.
We continuously evaluate emerging technologies in the field of plasmalysis and remain committed to exploring innovative pathways for sustainable fuel production.
For example, through our sister organization atmosfair, we are a project partner in the
Plasma2X Projekt at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). Within this project, we are investigating the production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from biogas as a basis for synthesizing sustainable crude oil. In addition, together with our partner Graforce, we are assessing the potential application of its innovative plasma technology for the production of sustainable aviation fuels in countries of the Global South.
