Tokyo, February 13, 2026 – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology, successfully demonstrating the production of liquid synthetic fuels from carbon dioxide, water, and electricity. The demonstration, conducted at MHI’s Research & Innovation Center in Nagasaki, utilizes an integrated process combining solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) co-electrolysis with Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis.
The core of the process lies in SOEC co-electrolysis, a method of simultaneously producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide through the electrolysis of both water vapor and carbon dioxide. This approach, according to MHI, simplifies the production process and enhances economic efficiency compared to traditional methods. MHI is also developing a proprietary tubular type SOEC cell stack, aiming for highly efficient electrolysis and cost-competitive synthetic fuel production.
Chemical analysis of the resulting liquid fuel confirmed the presence of components suitable for use as SAF, a crucial development as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set a goal of net-zero CO2 emissions for international aviation by 2050, with low-carbon fuels like SAF expected to contribute over 70% of the necessary reductions. This anticipated demand is driving significant investment and innovation in SAF production technologies.
While the initial focus is on SAF, the potential applications of this technology extend beyond aviation. The hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced through SOEC co-electrolysis can also serve as feedstock for the production of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels for automobiles and ships – including gasoline, diesel fuel, methanol, and methane – as well as city gas (methane). This versatility positions SOEC co-electrolysis as a potentially transformative technology for a broad range of sectors seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
MHI’s demonstration builds on previous advancements in catalyst development. In 2022, the company, in collaboration with the Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE²) in Singapore, developed a novel catalyst for SAF synthesis that exhibited “world-class performance” in laboratory tests. A separate initiative, announced in December 2024, involves the installation of a small-scale SAF production test rig at the ISCE² campus to further refine and validate the CO2 to SAF synthesis technologies. This rig, capable of processing 100 kg of CO2 per day, is expected to begin testing by the end of 2026, focusing on catalyst performance, durability, and overall process optimization.
The broader context of MHI’s efforts is reflected in the inauguration of operations at the Nagasaki Carbon Neutral Park in November 2023. This park serves as a hub for the development and commercialization of decarbonization technologies, including synthetic fuel production facilities. The company is also exploring the integration of its technologies with other carbon capture and utilization initiatives, as evidenced by recent developments in CO2 shipping and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology.
MHI’s approach to SAF production differs from some other emerging technologies that rely on feedstocks like used cooking oil, and biowaste. While blending SAF with traditional kerosene is a near-term strategy, as noted in a recent MHI publication, the company’s focus on CO2 and hydrogen offers a pathway to fully synthetic fuels, potentially decoupling production from limited biomass resources. This is particularly important given the projected scale of SAF demand and the need for sustainable, scalable solutions.
The successful demonstration of this integrated production process represents a significant step forward for MHI and for the broader effort to decarbonize the transportation sector. The company plans to leverage the knowledge gained from this demonstration to accelerate the deployment of these technologies and contribute to a more sustainable future. Further development and scaling of the SOEC co-electrolysis and FT synthesis process will be critical to realizing the full potential of this technology and achieving widespread adoption of carbon-neutral fuels.
