Norsk e-Fuel has engaged SMS group subsidiary Paul Wurth to conduct the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study for the company’s first production site for e-Fuels. Norsk e-Fuel will turn water and CO2 into renewable fuels that can be used in existing engines and infrastructures prioritizing the aviation industry. The novel process set-up for the main production stream combines a Reverse-Water-Gas-Shift (RWGS) unit co-developed by Axens and Paul Wurth, a Fischer-Tropsch unit and an upgrading unit (Gasel®). Both RWGS and Gasel® are under exclusive license of Axens. In addition, the company will integrate a co-electrolysis (Co-SOC) unit, provided by Sunfire, for commercial validation. The combination of the singular technology units of Axens and their optimization for maximized e-Kerosene production are in themselves an innovation. To further push the boundaries, Paul Wurth has designed a unique electrical heating system for the RWGS, avoiding unnecessary burning of fossil fuel or hydrogen. The deep integration of the process scheme allows to minimize the overall energy consumption of the plant. 
               
“Paul Wurth and its parent company SMS group are strongly committed to supporting the worldwide energy transition. The project with Norsk e-Fuel gives us the opportunity to actively demonstrate this ambition in the area of synthetic fuels production. We are delighted to form a strong partnership with Axens and contribute our broad expertise in order to bring this unique project to success”, said Thomas Hansmann, CTO of SMS group. 

“Axens is pleased to join this adventure with such renowned and trustable partners. The perfect integration between our RWGS Technology, co-developed with Paul Wurth, and our Gasel® technology unlocks a competitive e-Fuel scheme ready to support the ambitious production level of SAF required in Europe. Norsk e-Fuel’s solid foundations, ambition and strength complete this equation”, said Jean Sentenac, CEO of Axens.
 
“We are pleased to complete the picture of our technology partners with such distinguished experts in the field”, added Karl Hauptmeier, CEO of Norsk e-Fuel. “With confidence we can now say that we have the best technology set-up not only for now, but also for the future. The partnership with Paul Wurth (SMS group) and Axens in combination with the access to the technologies of our shareholders Sunfire and Climeworks will allow us at Norsk e-Fuel to always rely on the best technology available on the market. This is extremely important for a quick production scale-up to meet the rising demand.”