Europe’s largest e-Fuel production plant goes into operation in Frankfurt
The plant recycles around 8,000 tons of CO? yearly, sourced from a biogas plant in the Frankfurt-Höchst industrial park, and combines it with green hydrogen from local chlorine production to create synthetic crude oil. This is processed into sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF), e-Diesel, and other products, including base chemicals for sustainable plastics. These e-Fuels are “drop-in ready,” compatible with existing systems like aircraft engines, aiding decarbonization in hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation and shipping.
Tim Böltken, co-founder and CEO of Ineratec, stated: “With ERA ONE, we offer a genuine solution to one of the biggest problems of our time: emissions in sectors that are hard to electrify, like aviation and shipping. Climate-neutral e-Fuels are not just technologically possible. ERA ONE shows that they are also ready for the market.”
Kaweh Mansoori, Hesse’s Minister of Economic Affairs, said: “The opening of ERA ONE marks a landmark milestone for an independent European energy supply. It demonstrates the attractiveness of Hesse as a location for innovative companies. This project embodies the fusion of modern technology, ecological responsibility, and the development of new, high-quality industries.”
Georg Anfang, Vice President at Clariant, noted: “Our collaboration with Ineratec demonstrates how Clariant’s catalyst technologies are helping to make sustainable fuels a commercial reality. As global demand for sustainable aviation fuels continues to grow, driven by both regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability commitments, our catalyst technologies are helping to bridge the gap between conventional and renewable energy systems.”
Ineratec’s modular plant design allows for rapid scaling, with plans to significantly increase production by 2030 to meet regulations like ReFuelEU Aviation, which mandates sustainable aviation fuel quotas. The project is backed by a €70 million financing package, including €40 million in venture debt from the European Investment Bank and a €30 million grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, alongside support from Germany’s Environmental Innovation Programme and investors like Piva Capital, HG Ventures, and Samsung Ventures.
This initiative positions Ineratec and Clariant as leaders in sustainable fuel technology, contributing to a greener future for energy and chemical industries.
