Solar Fuels
Solar Fuels for the future: green fuel from solar power
Power-to-X
Initial situation and challenges
In Ethiopia, many people still use biomass such as wood, charcoal or dried animal dung for cooking and heating. This leads to deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, health problems and a significant amount of time spent collecting fuel- especially for women.
In order to bring about a lasting improvement in this situation, new, clean and readily available energy sources are needed. Solar fuels – synthetic fuels produced using solar power – could be an important solution here.
However, Ethiopia still lacks the expertise, suitable technical facilities and political support to deploy these technologies on a broad scale.
Our approach
Together with the Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU) in Ethiopia and the OST University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, Solafrica is building a center for solar fuels in Ethiopia. In the first phase of the project (planning), a feasibility study and an evaluation of the various P2X variants were carried out.
In the current second phase of the project (implementation), the planned demonstration plant is being built at ASTU. This plant will use solar power to produce synthetic methanol – a practical example of the application of power-to-X technologies. The facility serves as a place of learning and research, where more than 50 specialists will be trained each year in the future.
In the third phase (research), the technology will be researched further. The goal is to optimise the processes and develop larger plants for use in Ethiopia. In addition, information materials will be produced to convince decision-makers and authorities of the potential of solar fuels and Power-to-X technologies.
Since
Annual budget
Current project phase
Targets 2025-2026
- Establishment of a course for P2X theory and experiments at ASTU, which imparts the latest scientific findings.
- Planning, construction and commissioning of a laboratory plant for methanol synthesis (power-to-methanol) at ASTU.
- Development of further project proposals and identification of financing options to secure and expand the competence center in Ethiopia (for the third phase).
Effect
In the current project phase (2025-2026), expertise in the field of Power-to-X technologies is being specifically developed and strengthened in Ethiopia. The demonstration plant at the Adama Science and Technology University serves as a practical learning and research facility where more than fifty specialists are trained each year – a concrete step towards broader use of solar fuels.
In the long term, the project will help decision-makers, the private sector and the population to recognise the potential of solar fuels for the energy future. Through practical research and training, Ethiopia is preparing itself specifically for the use of this key technology. This creates the basis for a sustainable energy transition and a diverse, independent energy supply – with a direct impact on the economy, environment and quality of life.
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