January 28, 2026
Researchers from RMIT University in Australia have succeeded in simplifying the process of converting carbon emissions into jet fuel. This was done by combining the “capture and transfer” processes into one innovative step. To prove that this technology can be applied on an industrial scale, the team designed a 3-kilowatt pilot system.
In light of international efforts to combat climate change, reducing emissions is no longer enough, as global economies strive to achieve “net zero emissions.” The aviation industry is among the sectors facing major challenges in achieving this goal, especially since electric batteries are still unable to provide the energy needed for long flights compared to fossil fuels.
Sustainable fuel
One promising solution to reducing emissions is to produce fuel from emissions themselves, creating a sustainable cycle of use without the need to extract more fossil fuels.
It is worth noting that this technology does not directly produce jet fuel, but rather converts gases emitted from industries into “basic chemical blocks” that can be used in the manufacture of jet fuel, in addition to the possibility of using them in the production of other materials that currently depend on fossil fuels.
Simplifying the process and reducing the energy required
Professor Tianyi Ma, the team leader, explained that the secret lies in integrating the capture and conversion stages into one step, which contributes to reducing energy consumption and simplifying the industrial application process.
Researcher Peng Li pointed out that the system works efficiently without the need to use pure carbon dioxide, which is extremely important in real industrial environments.
Experimental model and future prospects
To build confidence in the technology, the team trialled a 3-kilowatt prototype in real-world industrial conditions. The university, in cooperation with the industrial sector, intends to build a larger system with a capacity of 20 kilowatts, then a model with a capacity of 100 kilowatts over the next six years, with the aim of reaching the stage of commercial readiness.
The team is currently working on establishing a startup company to market this technology. Professor Ma stressed that this technology is not a magic solution to the emissions problem, but rather a practical tool to help industries and governments reduce emissions during the transition to using cleaner fuel sources.
