SAFphyre: scalable SAF production with solidoxide coelectrolysis for efuels
Status project
2026 - 2028
In cooperation with
CEA, EPFL, TOPSOE and more
A significant step towards scalable e‑fuel solutions for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), strengthening Europe’s position in e‑fuel innovation. Coordinated by TNO, SAFphyre brings together seven European partners to demonstrate a breakthrough SAF production chain, integrating high‑temperature co‑electrolysis with Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. At its core is a joint demonstration by TOPSOE and Sasol of a co‑SOEL stack coupled to a Fischer–Tropsch reactor.
Kick-off and scope SAFphyre
The SAFphyre (Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production via High‑Temperature Electrolysis and an Integrated Fischer–Tropsch Reactor) project officially started on 2–3 February 2026 with a two‑day kick‑off meeting hosted by TNO Petten.
The project is funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under its highly competitive 2025 call and brings together seven partners to accelerate the development of solid oxide co‑electrolysis (co‑SOEL) for integration with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production via Fischer–Tropsch (FT) reactors. SAFphyre was evaluated as an excellent proposal, reflecting its strong vision and high quality of the consortium.
From lab to pilot
Coordinated by TNO, SAFphyre focuses on advancing co‑SOEL as the core enabling technology for future SAF production. The project aims to demonstrate an integrated route where co-SOEL is developed, optimised, and demonstrated as the primary source of syngas, which is then directly converted to SAF intermediates through Fischer–Tropsch synthesis to enable scalable aviation fuels.
- improving the efficiency of solid oxide systems,
- increasing stack durability,
- reducing the total production costs of SAF, and
- validating a fully integrated 25 kWe co‑SOEL + FT system.
By efficiently converting CO₂ and H₂O into synthetic aviation fuels, the project contributes to Europe’s ambition to decarbonise hard‑to‑abate sectors and strengthen energy security.
Consortium partners contributions
The consortium brings together leading research institutes and industrial partners with deep expertise in solid oxide and FT technologies.
- TNO coordinates the project and leads activities on next generation SOEL cell development.
- CEA: provides advanced modelling and stack‑testing capabilities,
- EPFL: contributes system‑level simulations and sustainability assessments, including life‑cycle and techno‑economic analyses.
- TOPSOE: which will demonstrate a high‑temperature SOEL stack operating in co‑electrolysis mode, to be integrated with a FT reactor based on Sasol technology.
- Aarhus University will carry out the integrated operation of this co-SOEL–FT system.
- LINQ: manages communication, dissemination and stakeholder engagement activities.
SAFphyre also builds on the existing strong collaboration between CEA and TNO established through their SOCRATES partnership aiming at advancing coSOEL technology for next generation efuels.
The kick‑off meeting allowed partners to align expectations, set initial priorities, and establish the technical and strategic roadmap for the coming years.
The discussions in Petten reinforced the consortium’s shared commitment to delivering meaningful progress in solid oxide electrolysis development, system integration, and SAF production pathways, laying the foundation for a robust European SAF value chain and a technology with strong potential for future scale‑up.
SAFphyre represents a major step forward in the advancement of solid oxide co-electrolysis for sustainable aviation fuels. By combining scientific excellence, industrial leadership, and a strong European partnership, the project aims to contribute directly to long‑term climate objectives and to reinforce Europe's position at the forefront of e‑fuel innovation.
Contact us
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Eduardo da Rosa Silva
Functie:Business Developer P2X – Energy and Materials Transition Industry-
Standplaats:Rijswijk - Kesslerpark
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Email:Email Eduardo
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