Case Study
Liquid Sun

Liquid Sun – refining biogenic CO2 into sustainable aviation fuel

At Liquid Sun, we are at the forefront of revolutionising e-fuels. Our proprietary technology is inspired by nature’s own carbon cycle, using biogenic CO₂ from forest industry emissions as a building block for a cleaner planet and a more resilient energy system. We unlock new climate solutions and economic opportunities.

The scientific foundation originates in world-class artificial photosynthesis research at Stanford University and Tampere University, where our CTO Dr. Harri Ali-Löytty, contributed extensively. The team successfully piloted the low-temperature conversion of CO₂ into synthetic hydrocarbons—marking a breakthrough in sustainable fuel production. By 2022 a diverse group of founders came together to build the company around the shared vision of using nature’s mechanisms to replace fossil fuels.

Today, Liquid Sun is backed by an exceptional team of experts in science, innovation, business, and brand development. We are now scaling our synthetic aviation fuel (eSAF) production, partnering with leading global companies to drive environmental progress and economic performance.

By capturing biogenic CO₂ from sustainable sources we offer a true circular solution that supports both climate targets and industrial transition. Our technology strengthens energy security and positions Europe as a hub for clean aviation fuel production. We are not just building technology. We are enabling a new industrial logic—where waste becomes resource, and emissions become solutions.

Potential future developments

Liquid Sun’s LTE technology is a game-changer for eSAF, enabling efficient CO₂-to-CO conversion using biogenic CO₂ and renewable electricity. Our modular, low-temperature electrolysis allows for decentralised production, reduced reliance on fossils, and seamless integration with intermittent solar and wind—making it ideal for Europe’s climate goals and energy landscape.

As a “Made in Europe” innovation, it directly supports EU decarbonisation targets under ReFuelEU, RED II, and ETS. With growing regulatory demand and airline offtake mandates, our solution answers a critical market need to airlines as end-users.

We foresee growth through strong public-private investment, scaling eSAF plants, and creating industrial jobs in green tech manufacturing, EPC, and operations. Liquid Sun’s unique model—combining tech development and system integration—positions us to lead eSAF roll-out, expand across Europe, and build climate resilience by transforming industrial emissions into fuel.

To accelerate, we seek capital, policy alignment, and partnerships to unlock eSAF’s €80B + EU market potential by 2050 and help Europe lead the global transition to fossil-free aviation.

Current contribution

Aviation faces significant challenges in reducing its carbon footprint by decarbonising air travel. eSAF, a synthetic fuel derived from renewable energy and biogenic CO2, stands out for its potential to revolutionise aviation by utilising advanced technologies such as renewable electricity, carbon capture, and electrolysis to produce low-carbon fuel.

The process begins with the capture of biogenic CO₂ from sources such as forest industry emission, biomass plants, and waste-to-energy facilities. This ensures that CO₂ utilised in eSAF production is part of a closed-loop carbon cycle reducing net emissions. Renewable energy sources are critical components in the synthesis of eSAF.

The eSAF industry is shaped by regulatory frameworks in Europe, including the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, the Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II), and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). These policies establish sustainability criteria, blending mandates, and incentives to accelerate the adoption of eSAF.

Our proprietary low-temperature CO₂ electrolysis technology enables the efficient conversion of CO₂ into CO, a key building block in eSAF production in European markets. By integrating our technology into the broader eSAF ecosystem, Liquid Sun contributes to reducing aviation emissions, enhancing fuel sustainability, and supporting the industry’s transition to a greener future. However, scaling eSAF production requires capital, infrastructures, and European policy alignment.

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Contact

Dr. Pasi Keinänen

pasi@liquidsun.co