SUNFUSION: Half-Year Progress
SUNFUSION is new Horizon Europe Research and Innovation project aiming to develop a sustainable biofuel production process using microalgae and oleaginous yeasts, integrating innovative cultivation techniques, hydrothermal liquefaction powered by solar heat, and advanced biofuel upgrading, with a focus on energy efficiency and zero-waste principles. Key to the latter is the use of specialized systems able to concentrate solar radiation and produce heat, in combination with a heat storage system.
SUNFUSION is dedicated to accelerating the EU’s renewable energy transition. Biofuels, derived from biomass, are recognized as a promising solution. These fuels can replace fossil fuels while using existing infrastructure for transportation and storage, thereby reducing the need for costly investments in new engines and tanks. Microalgae and oleaginous yeasts offer advantageous, cost-effective, and viable alternatives as efficient lipid producers, requiring minimal resources compared to traditional oil plants. By integrating solar energy (in the form of medium-to-high temperature heat) into multiple production processes, focusing on energy efficiency and zero waste principles, SUNFUSION aims to drive the green transition forward while reducing dependency on conventional energy sources.
SUNFUSION introduces an innovative approach to converting microalgae and oleaginous yeasts into sustainable shipping and aviation fuels by enhancing state-of-the-art technologies. SUNFUSION solution lies on four core pillars:
Advanced photobioreactors and open raceway ponds for the cultivation and purification of microalgae and oleaginous yeasts
A continuously operating Hydrothermal Liquefaction reactor powered by Concentrated Solar Technologies (CST) that provide the necessary heat for the reaction
Hydrotreatment units for producing sustainable aviation fuels and marine fuels, along with research on future solar integration
Solar-assisted Thermal Energy Storage systems (TES)
Kick off meeting
The SUNFUSION Horizon Europe project has officially launched with its kick-off meeting on 26-27th February 2025, held in Thessaloniki, Greece. This four-year initiative, coordinated by Dr Nikolaos Tsongidis from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), aims to develop sustainable biofuels. During these 2 days, 10 consortium partners convened to outline project implementation steps, introduce teams and work packages, discuss technical project objectives, and establish project management strategies. Partners who attended the meeting discussed project work packages along with a visit of key facilities at CERTH and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The meeting concluded with a clear plan for upcoming tasks and a commitment to collaborative project execution.
Visibility & Outreach Activities
Our coordinator at SolarSparks Training Programme
As part of the SolarHub Project, the SolarSparks program delivers high-impact training opportunities aimed at advancing solar energy expertise. The third training session, held in Ankara, Türkiye, on May 15, 2025, focused on Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) Technologies and Solar Fuels. This session brought together researchers and students from the Middle East Technical University (METU) and the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), with Dr. Nikolaos Tsongidis from CERTH and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Taylan from METU serving as instructors. Dr. Nikolaos Tsongidis, coordinator of the SUNFUSION project, presented a fresh perspective on solar biofuels production.
SUNFUSION at the 92nd International Agricultural Fair
Our partner Foodscale Hub presented SUNFUSION and our innovative approach to turning microalgae and oleaginous yeasts into high-energy, sustainable fuels for shipping and aviation. The fair was an opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and spark interest in our project.
SUNFUSION project at 28th DLR Solar Colloquium
Dr. Clarisse Lorreyte, a Doctor of Engineering and Postdoctoral Researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), presented the SUNFUSION project at this year’s 28th DLR Solar Colloquium! This year’s colloquium focused on the vital role of integrating solar energy into chemical processes – a key step in decarbonizing the chemical industry and enabling innovative synthetic fuel production. The event brought together experts from industry and research to discuss challenges, solutions, and the latest developments in this exciting field.
Spotlight: Synergies in Action
SUNFUSION actively builds upon and collaborates with projects like FUELGAE, ensuring the leveraging of results from past and parallel initiatives to maximize impact and accelerate deployment. We warmly invite any organization, researcher, advisor, or stakeholder who recognizes the relevance of SUNFUSION’s work to connect with us, exchange knowledge, and explore collaborative opportunities. Together, we can further strengthen Europe’s capacity for developing sustainable biofuels for shipping and aviation industries.