The Ahuachapán Geothermal Power Plant, El Salvador - not related directly to the story
This agreement will power a commercial demonstration facility, integrating geothermal heat and electricity for high-temperature steam electrolysis, improving the efficiency of power-to-fuel technology. The facility will produce synthetic kerosene, addressing the growing demand for carbon-neutral aviation fuel.
A first-of-its-kind hybrid energy approach
Unlike traditional geothermal power plants that focus solely on electricity generation, this facility will utilize both heat and electricity, demonstrating a new model for industrial-scale geothermal applications.
There are key benefits to geothermal-powered eSAF production, such as base-load clean energy for fuel synthesis, Carbon-neutral industrial heat utilization, and scalability from demonstration to commercial output.
Strategic partnership & expansion potential
Under the binding Letter of Intent (LOI), Syntholene will design, engineer, and operate the facility at a partner-controlled geothermal site, retaining exclusive rights to technology and project expansion.
The agreement also includes a commercial expansion option, allowing up to 20 MW of geothermal capacity for future large-scale production.
“This energy agreement represents the seeds of a transformative moment for synthetic fuel cost and scalability,” said Dan Sutton, CEO of Syntholene.
Geothermal: a game-changer for industrial heat applications
Geothermal energy has long been underutilized in heat-intensive industrial processes. By leveraging geothermal heat for fuel synthesis, Syntholene is setting a precedent for more efficient, carbon-neutral industrial applications.
If successful, this model could pave the way for other industrial sectors to utilize geothermal resources for low-emission manufacturing processes.
Looking ahead: the future of geothermal-powered fuels
This project positions geothermal energy at the forefront of clean fuel innovation, bridging the gap between renewable energy and sustainable aviation. As Syntholene advances to full-scale commercial production, it will be a key player in decarbonizing aviation and heavy transportation.
The company names El Salvador and Iceland as project sites. There is no clear indication where this agreement was signed, but it seems not likely to be in Europe.
