Synhelion commits to Morocco to develop solar fuel
The Swiss clean technology company Synhelion has announced an ambitious investment of 1 billion dollars in Morocco to develop an innovative facility for the production of sustainable synthetic fuel. The company's CEO and co-founder, Gianluca Ambrosetti, confirmed the news at the beginning of February, emphasising the North African country's potential for this type of project.
The plan envisages the production of approximately 100,000 tonnes of fuel per year using ‘sun-to-liquid’ technology, developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. This innovative methodology uses solar fields equipped with mirrors that follow the movement of the sun and reflect its light towards a central tower, reaching temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius.
A revolutionary process
The production process developed by Synhelion combines concentrated solar radiation in a thermal reactor with methane, carbon dioxide and water. As a result, vapours and gases are generated that are subsequently converted into liquid fuels such as petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.
According to Ambrosetti, after setting up projects in Germany and Spain, the company has decided to focus on Morocco due to its ‘exceptional solar resources, the availability of raw materials and a strong industrial sector’. In addition, the Kingdom has proven to be an emerging leader in renewable energy, with major solar projects under development and an infrastructure conducive to this type of investment.
Solid financial backing
The project will be financed by a combination of sources, including bank loans, the sale of shares and possible government contributions. Synhelion already has European financial backing and the support of important international companies, including Lufthansa, the Italian energy company Eni and Switzerland's largest car importer, Amag.
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Synhelion executives met with Karim Zidane, Morocco's Minister Delegate in Charge of Investments, to formally present the project and explore opportunities for collaboration with the local government.
Morocco: a hub for solar energy
In recent years, Morocco has consolidated its position as a leader in renewable energies, particularly solar energy. Its geographical location gives it privileged access to abundant solar radiation, especially in the southern and central regions of the country. As part of its strategy to diversify its energy matrix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the Kingdom has actively promoted large-scale renewable energy projects.
Foreign investors play a fundamental role in this process, not only providing financing, but also generating employment in the regions where the projects are developed. The implementation of solar parks and solar thermal plants has required significant investments from international players, consolidating Morocco as an attractive destination for innovation in clean energy.
A sustainable future for fuels
One of Synhelion's main objectives is to achieve a competitive long-term production cost, with an estimated price of 1 dollar per litre, which would allow it to compete with conventional fuels, especially in the aviation sector.
‘The new technology has proven its effectiveness and safety, which encourages its global adoption,’ said Ambrosetti. With this project, Morocco is emerging as a key player in the transition to sustainable fuels, contributing to the fight against climate change and the development of energy solutions for the future.