In a groundbreaking move towards advancing synthetic fuels, Safran made waves in February 2024 with its investment in the American startup Avnos through Safran Corporate Ventures. Avnos stands out for its cutting-edge technology, pioneering a method to capture CO2 from ambient air with reduced energy consumption and without water usage. This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in the quest to decarboniSe aviation.
Avnos – Pioneering CO2 Capture
Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology has emerged as a game-changer in the quest for carbon neutrality. Avnos, founded in 2020, has harnessed this innovation by developing its Hybrid Direct Air Capture (HDAC) solution. What sets HDAC apart is its ability to capture CO2 from any environment, even those with low concentrations, making it invaluable for the production of synthetic fuels or e-fuels, which rely on decarbonised hydrogen and CO2.
Florent Illat, Head of Safran Corporate Ventures, elaborates on the significance of HDAC: “This technology not only reduces energy consumption during the capture process but also preserves water resources. Unlike conventional DAC methods, HDAC actually recovers water, making it a sustainable solution for aviation.”
Ben Stone, VP Corporate Development at Avnos, explains the innovative process: “HDAC utilises absorbent materials akin to sponges to capture both water and CO2 from the air stream. This efficiency not only yields water for reuse but also enhances the cost-effectiveness of e-fuel production, crucial for sustainable aviation.”
Unlocking Technological and Economic Potential
Nicolas Jeuland, Safran’s leading sustainable fuels expert, underscores the transformative potential of Avnos’ technology: “The modular design of Avnos’ capture system facilitates decentralised e-fuel production, crucial for reducing transportation costs associated with hydrogen. Additionally, the energy-efficient nature of HDAC helps drive down the overall price of e-fuels, aligning with our vision for sustainable aviation.”
It’s important to note the distinction between HDAC and traditional “concentrated source” capture systems, emphasising the complementary nature of both approaches. Nicolas Jeuland emphasises that “this synergy enhances our ability to drive decarbonisation across multiple fronts.”
Strategic Investment Towards Decarbonisation
Safran’s investment in Avnos reflects its commitment to decarbonising aviation by 2050, aligning with initiatives like the European ReFuel EU. Florent Illat emphasises the strategic importance of CO2 capture technology in enabling e-fuel production, synergising with Safran’s previous investment in Ineratec, a German startup specialising in carbon-neutral synthetic fuels.
“Investments are guided by strategy,” Florent Illat notes. “Supporting the development of CO2 capture technologies is pivotal for the growth of e-fuels and advancing decarbonisation efforts in aviation.”
Safran’s investment in Avnos signals a bold step towards a more sustainable future for aviation, where innovation and collaboration pave the way for carbon-neutral skies.
