Morocco is emerging as a strong candidate for the next wave of concentrated solar power (CSP) projects aimed at producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), leveraging its abundant solar resources, industrial base, and access to raw materials.
According to the Attaqa platform, Swiss company Synhelion, a specialist in solar fuel technology, is considering Morocco as a key location alongside Spain, where it is building the world’s first CSP plant for SAF production—the RISE project—set to become operational by 2027.
Synhelion brings its technology to Spain after the successful operation of its experimental CSP plant named DAWN in Jülich, Germany. The technology relies on a wide field of mirrors concentrating sunlight onto a central solar receiver mounted on a tower.
The thermal energy, which exceeds 1500 degrees Celsius, powers a thermochemical reactor that splits water and carbon dioxide into syngas—a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
This syngas is then processed through the Fischer-Tropsch method, where catalysts such as iron or cobalt convert it into synthetic liquid hydrocarbons, primarily kerosene.
This solar kerosene can replace conventional aviation fuel and is compatible with existing aircraft engines and refueling infrastructure.
Following the launch of the RISE project in Spain, Synhelion has announced ambitious expansion plans, aiming to boost production capacity to one million tons of solar fuel annually by 2033 and to cover half of Europe’s demand for sustainable aviation fuel by 2040.
In February, reports indicated that Synhelion plans to build a solar fuel plant with a production capacity of 100,000 tons.
Given Morocco’s advantages in solar irradiance and industrial readiness, Attaqa referred to the kingdom as a potential key player in expanding Synhelion’s solar fuel production.
This would align with the global efforts to decarbonize the aviation sector, which currently accounts for around 2–5% of global CO₂ emissions.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.