Siemens and CAPHENIA Partner to Revolutionize Sustainable Aviation Fuel with Plasma Tech
Siemens and CAPHENIA have announced a new partnership to scale up the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The collaboration will focus on automating and digitalising CAPHENIA's plasma-based technology, which is still in development. Both companies aim to speed up the global rollout of commercial SAF facilities using this innovative approach.
CAPHENIA's process uses a Plasma Boudouard Reactor (PBR) to convert bio-methane into synthesis gas at around 1,500 degrees Celsius. The method boasts an efficiency of over 86%, outperforming traditional techniques by recycling heat to preheat incoming gas. Currently, no commercial SAF plants operate using this technology, as it remains in the demonstration phase.
Siemens will support CAPHENIA from its pilot plant in Frankfurt through to full-scale production. The partnership includes developing a standardised automation template to accelerate future plant construction. Siemens will also act as the preferred supplier, providing process control systems and digital twins for optimisation.
Dr. Mark Misselhorn, CAPHENIA's founder and CEO, highlighted the deal's role in advancing the energy transition and expanding the company's PBR technology worldwide. Christian Gückel, Head of Vertical Chemicals at Siemens Digital Industries, added that synthetic fuels are essential for decarbonising aviation. Siemens' involvement aims to fast-track CAPHENIA's technology from pilot to commercial use.
The agreement sets the stage for standardised, automated SAF production using CAPHENIA's plasma technology. Siemens' digital tools and automation expertise will help streamline plant deployment globally. If successful, the partnership could contribute to reducing aviation's carbon footprint through scalable synthetic fuel solutions.
