MTHiO

Challenge

Efficient production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is critical to reducing the aviation industry's dependence on fossil fuels. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to develop a process that can convert methanol to olefins, which can then be converted into jet fuel. Such a process must be capable of producing olefins with high capacity and stability to be competitive and sustainable.

Solution

The MTHiO project focuses on the first step in a three-stage process that converts methanol to higher olefins. The project will optimize and demonstrate Methanol to Olefins (MTO) technology to ensure efficient production of the desired olefins.

The MTO process uses shape-selective zeolite/zeotype materials capable of producing C4-8 olefins with minimal aromatization from methanol. The project will develop a kinetic model for the MTO process, optimize catalysts, and conduct pilot-scale trials to ensure successful scaling and commercialization

Key Deliverables

• Development of a kinetic model for the MTO process that predicts product distribution and catalyst deactivation under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions.
• Conducting pilot-scale trials to examine and demonstrate the MTO process at large scale.
• Optimization of the MTO process through catalyst modification for improved stability and selectivity towards olefins.

Expected Outcome

A successful demonstration of the MTO process will lay the foundation for the design of industrial-scale reactors and enable ASTM certification for the use of the fuel in commercial aviation. The project is expected to have a significant impact by reducing the time-to-market for a certified process and contributing to a swift transition in aviation fuel consumption away from fossil fuels.

Part of Innomissions

The EU funds four green, mission-driven research and innovation partnerships, bringing together the country’s top researchers, businesses, and organizations to position Denmark as a leader in the green transition. These partnerships address CO2 storage and utilization, Power-to-X, climate- and environment-friendly agriculture and food production, and circular economy with a focus on plastics and textiles.

This innovation project is part of Innomissions 2: MissionGreenFuels – Green Fuels for Transport and Industry. The MissionGreenFuels partnership focuses on phasing out fossil fuels in shipping, heavy road transport, aviation, and the maritime shipping industry by 2030. Learn more at: https://missiongreenfuels.dk/.