Solar-driven direct air capture to produce sustainable aviation fuel

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67977-x

Authors: Yide Han, Olajide Otitoju, Ariane D. N. Kamkeng, Meihong Wang, Hui Yan, Fisher Millard, Wenli Du & Feng Qian 

08 January 2026

Abstract

Renewable energy-powered direct air capture with subsequent utilisation offers a sustainable decarbonisation strategy for a circular economy. Whereas current liquid-based capture technology relies on natural gas combustion for high-temperature calcination, restricting the transition to fully renewable operation. In this study, we show a 1MtCO2/year solar-driven process that adopts a hydrogen fluidised solar calciner with onsite catalytic conversion of CO2 into sustainable aviation fuel. We find that replacing fossil-fuel heating with solar thermal energy lowers electricity consumption by 63% and reduces onsite CO2 emissions by 59%. The analysis shows that the production cost of sustainable aviation fuel is cost-effective (US$4.62/kg) compared to the conventional process. Geographical sensitivity analysis indicates favourable deployment locations are low-risk countries with high solar irradiance and low hydrogen cost. The predicted results also outline potential economic viability for policymakers and industry investors.

Source: Nature Communications