In the heart of Switzerland, an extraordinary innovation is making waves in the global effort to decarbonize transportation. Synhelion, a Swiss startup born from ETH Zurich, has pioneered solar diesel—a cutting-edge low-carbon fuel capable of replacing traditional fossil fuels.
The company’s groundbreaking work has captured the interest of industries ranging from aviation to maritime, with ferries and planes already lining up to integrate this sustainable fuel into their operations.
As the world grapples with the urgency of climate change, Synhelion’s solar diesel emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a practical and scalable solution to reduce carbon emissions in hard-to-electrify industries.
With strategic partnerships, industrial-scale production plants, and significant investments, the journey towards a net-zero future is now more tangible than ever.
How Solar Diesel Works: A Game-Changer in Renewable Energy
Synhelion’s innovation is groundbreaking, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels. Unlike conventional biofuels or hydrogen-derived synthetic fuels, solar diesel is produced using just sunlight, water, and CO₂, making it one of the most eco-friendly energy solutions available. At the heart of this technology is an advanced solar reactor that harnesses concentrated solar radiation to generate temperatures exceeding 1,500°C.
This intense heat triggers a thermochemical process that creates syngas, a blend of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The syngas is then refined into liquid fuels such as solar kerosene for aviation, solar diesel for maritime transport, and gasoline for vehicles.
A key advantage of solar diesel is its full compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure, allowing industries like aviation, shipping, and logistics to transition seamlessly without the need for costly modifications. This integration positions solar diesel as a viable and scalable alternative to fossil fuels.
DAWN: The World’s First Industrial-Scale Solar Fuel Plant
Synhelion has successfully transitioned its technological innovations from research labs to real-world applications. The company has launched DAWN, the first-ever industrial-scale solar fuel plant, located in Jülich, Germany.
Featuring a 20-meter-high solar tower surrounded by heliostats (mirrors), this facility utilizes concentrated sunlight to generate thousands of liters of synthetic fuel each year. Beyond its production capacity, DAWN serves as a critical milestone, proving that solar fuel can be manufactured on an industrial scale. Its success paves the way for future expansion and the broader commercialization of solar-based fuels worldwide.
Airlines and Maritime Companies Rush to Adopt Solar Diesel
One of the most significant indicators of solar diesel’s potential is the enthusiastic adoption by various industries. Aviation and maritime transport are two of the hardest sectors to decarbonize due to their reliance on high-energy-density fuels. However, Synhelion’s solar diesel offers a practical solution that aligns with their sustainability goals.
Pilatus Aircraft: Leading the Charge in Aviation
Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd has entered into an agreement with Synhelion to acquire 200 tons of solar kerosene annually for a five-year period starting in 2027. Recognized for its dedication to sustainability, Pilatus is taking a proactive step toward lowering aviation-related carbon emissions by incorporating solar-based fuels into its operations. This collaboration represents a major breakthrough in the aviation sector, demonstrating that large-scale solar kerosene production is not just a theoretical concept but a practical and achievable solution for the industry.
Lake Lucerne Navigation Company: A Greener Future for Ferries
Maritime transport is another key player in the fight against carbon emissions. Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) AG has committed to purchasing 100 tons of solar fuel annually to power its fleet of historic steamboats. For an industry that has traditionally relied on diesel, this transition to solar-powered navigation is a groundbreaking step toward sustainable waterway transport.
Zurich Airport: Aiming for Net-Zero Ground Operations
Even on land, Synhelion’s fuels are making an impact. Zurich Airport Ltd has pledged to use 30,000 liters of solar diesel annually to power its passenger buses and service vehicles. These commitments underscore the growing demand for clean energy solutions across transportation sectors, signaling that Synhelion’s solar diesel is not just an experiment but a game-changer in sustainable mobility.
RISE: Scaling Solar Diesel Production to Commercial Levels
Following the success of DAWN, Synhelion is now preparing to launch RISE, the world’s first commercial-scale solar fuel plant in Spain. Set to be operational by 2027, RISE is expected to produce over 1,000 tons of solar fuel annually, significantly increasing the availability of solar diesel for industries worldwide. RISE will serve as the next phase in the commercialization of solar fuels, bridging the gap between pilot projects and full-scale deployment. As production ramps up, costs are expected to decline, making solar fuels an even more competitive alternative to fossil fuels.
A Future Without Fossil Fuels: The Long-Term Impact of Solar Diesel
As nations strive to meet their net-zero emissions targets, the importance of scalable, sustainable solutions like solar diesel cannot be overstated. Synhelion’s innovation offers a viable pathway to decarbonize industries that cannot be easily electrified, such as aviation, shipping, and heavy transport.
Key Advantages of Solar Diesel Over Traditional Fuels
- 100% Renewable – Uses only sunlight, CO₂, and water
- Carbon-Neutral – Emits only as much CO₂ as was used to produce it
- Drop-in Replacement – Works with existing fuel infrastructure
- Scalable Production – Industrial plants like DAWN and RISE prove feasibility
- Cost Reduction Potential – Economies of scale will drive prices down
With continuous advancements in solar fuel technology and growing industry adoption, we could soon see entire fleets of planes, ships, and buses powered by sunlight.
Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Energy Era
Synhelion’s solar diesel is more than just an innovation—it’s a revolution in sustainable transportation. From its origins at ETH Zurich to its industrial plants in Germany and Spain, the company is proving that renewable fuels can be both practical and scalable. With major airlines, maritime companies, and airports already investing in solar diesel, we stand on the precipice of a clean energy transformation.
If Synhelion continues on its current trajectory, solar diesel could become a mainstream fuel source within the next decade, reshaping the global transportation industry. The future of clean energy is no longer a distant dream—it is here, and it is powered by the sun.
