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Why Developing Countries?
Biomass-to-Liquid (BtL) and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technologies offer countries in the Global South a unique opportunity to produce renewable fuels from local biomass resources and to use or export these fuels. Instead of leaving valuable resources unused, agricultural and forestry residues such as wood waste, crop residues, or nut shells, as well as biogenic CO₂ generated in large quantities, can be converted into sustainable fuels. In addition, many countries in the Global South offer excellent conditions for generating renewable electricity at large scale and at low cost, creating ideal conditions for sustainable fuel production and export.
The construction of BtL and PtL facilities creates new jobs in agriculture, logistics, and industry. At the same time, it reduces long-term dependence on fossil fuels, as synthetic fuels provide a sustainable alternative to conventional kerosene and diesel. Countries can position themselves as suppliers of green fuels and unlock new export opportunities. At the same time, these technologies help address a challenge faced by the Global North, which will continue to rely on energy imports in the form of fuels. What is currently imported into Europe as fossil crude oil from OPEC countries could in the future be sourced as synthetic fuels from countries in the Global South. The mandatory and steadily increasing blending requirements for sustainable aviation fuels in Europe ensure a growing long-term demand for these energy carriers.
We at Solarbelt support this transition by transferring expertise in fuel synthesis technologies from Europe to our partner countries. In doing so, we create a win-win situation for European companies that can export their technologies and for partners in the Global South that gain access to new business opportunities.
Biomass-to-Liquid is particularly well suited as an entry technology and can pave the way for Power-to-Liquid once sufficient renewable electricity becomes available in a given country. In both production pathways, synthesis gas is converted into synthetic crude oil, meaning that this core technology is already established locally. The main difference lies in the production of the synthesis gas, which can later be adapted as countries expand their renewable electricity supply and become ready for PtL deployment.
In countries where large amounts of renewable electricity are already available today, a direct transition to PtL production may also be a viable option.
With the right planning and responsible implementation, local residues can become a valuable resource — supporting a strong economy, a cleaner environment, and a more secure energy future.