Clean Energy Technology Observatory: Solar Fuels in the European Union - 2023 Status Report on Technology Development, Trends, Value Chains and Markets
Solar fuel technologies convert solar radiation directly into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen (or potentially other chemicals), that are then converted into liquid or gaseous fuels. They are distinct from e-fuels, which are produced from renewable electricity. Solar fuels have the potential to contribute to replacing fossil fuels and serve as feedstock and commodity chemicals for industrial processes. The main routes considered are direct photochemical/photobiological processes and indirect solar thermochemical processes. Challenges include stability, scale-up, efficiency, and continuous operation. Benchmarking protocols and standards are needed, and the EU can play a prominent role in their development. The EU has increased its budget for solar
fuel research and development in Horizon Europe, but leading countries globally include the USA, China, and Japan. In Europe the SUNERGY initiative brings together stakeholders to provide strategies and coordination for research and innovation activities.
TAYLOR Nigel;
TATTINI Jacopo;
DIAZ RINCON Andrea;
2023-10-24
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC135361
978-92-68-08430-4 (online),
1831-9424 (online),
EUR 31700 EN,
OP KJ-NA-31-700-EN-N (online),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135361,
10.2760/753483 (online),
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