In a groundbreaking demonstration of solar fuel technology, SPIN’s member Synhelion has successfully powered a motorcycle using its proprietary solar gasoline. The ride, conducted in Lugano, Switzerland, marks the first time a two-wheeled vehicle has run on synthetic fuel produced directly from sunlight.
Synhelion’s solar gasoline is derived from a thermochemical process that converts CO₂ and water into synthetic gas using concentrated solar heat. This syngas is then refined into gasoline that is fully compatible with existing internal combustion engines. The fuel is carbon-neutral because it recycles atmospheric CO₂, offering a promising alternative to fossil fuels without requiring changes to today’s vehicles or infrastructure.
The motorcycle ride is part of a broader effort by Synhelion to scale up solar fuel production. Their first industrial facility is currently under construction in Germany, aiming to deliver commercial quantities of solar fuels in the near future. The recent demonstration illustrates not only the feasibility but also the readiness of the technology for real-world application.
This milestone reaffirms the potential of synthetic fuels to contribute to the defossilization of the transport sector, especially in areas where electrification is less practical. It also highlights Switzerland’s role in advancing innovative climate solutions.
Source:
Synhelion News – World’s First Motorcycle Ride Powered by Synhelion’s Solar Gasoline
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