SMS supports Synhelion with the world's first industrial solar fuel plant

Synhelion inaugurated the world's first industrial-scale plant for the production of synthetic fuels from solar heat in Jülich. SMS group is a strategic investor and partner of the solar fuel pioneer. The metallurgical plant manufacturer is supporting Synhelion in the realisation of the thermal energy storage system of the synthesis gas production plant.

SMS group commends Synhelion on reaching a significant milestone with the launch of the world's first industrial demonstration plant DAWN for the production of solar fuels. Synhelion is now moving forward with the commissioning of DAWN to commence solar fuel production in the near future. The innovative plant developed and built by Synhelion marks a crucial step in the defossilization of the transport sector and demonstrates the potential of solar fuels in cutting CO2 emissions.
As a strategic investor and partner, SMS group supported Synhelion in the implementation of the energy storage system used in the DAWN plant. According to SMS, the commitment here comprised not only financial resources but also expertise from our subsidiary SMS Concast, leveraging Paul Wurth technology. Synhelion's thermal energy storage system is crucial for ensuring the continuous production of synthesis gas by storing approximately two-thirds of the thermal energy generated during the day.
The collaboration between Synhelion and SMS group is a prime example of creating synergies that benefit both the scale-up company and there own product portfolio, says SMS. The expertise in the steel and metals industry enables the plant maker to efficiently support Synhelion with its innovative thermal energy storage system. This type of storage system is particularly suitable for high-temperature applications and provides a cost-effective alternative to energy storage in batteries.
The necessity for decarbonization, driven by climate change, is supported by scientific evidence. SMS group is committed to significantly reducing CO2 emissions by investing in sustainable technologies such as those developed by Synhelion. In particular, Synhelion's renewable fuels can sustainably revolutionize the aviation industry, which relies on combustion fuels.
After commissioning, the DAWN demonstration plant will produce several thousand liters of fuel per year. Synhelion plans to build its first commercial plant in Spain starting in 2025. Within ten years, Synhelion intends to increase its production capacity to approximately one million tons of solar fuel per year. These developments underline the enormous market potential and the importance of Synhelion solar fuels for a sustainable future.
Source: SMS group