SUNFUSION: Latest Updates from the Project

As we complete the first six months of the project’s second year, we are pleased to share the latest updates and achievements. Read on to discover highlights from SUNFUSION’s participation in events, our Consortium Meeting in Grenoble, and other activities that helped showcase the project’s mission and objectives to a wider audience.

SUNFUSION at EUBCE 2026: Advancing Sustainable Fuel Technologies

SUNFUSION actively participated in the 34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE 2026) in The Hague, the Netherlands, contributing to key discussions on the future of sustainable fuels and renewable energy technologies in Europe.

Joint Workshop with CAPTUS and SUSTEPS

Together with the Horizon Europe projects CAPTUS and SUSTEPS, SUNFUSION co-organised a joint workshop and exhibition booth focused on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), advanced biofuels, renewable hydrogen integration, and policy frameworks supporting the transition toward climate-neutral fuels. The session gathered researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and technology developers to exchange knowledge on accelerating the deployment of innovative renewable fuel solutions across Europe.

The discussions highlighted the importance of stable regulations, long-term investments, technological complementarity, and stronger collaboration between industry and policymakers. Particular attention was given to the role of sustainable aviation fuels in supporting European energy security and industrial competitiveness.

The workshop also emphasised the growing importance of public trust and stakeholder engagement in enabling the successful deployment of advanced biofuel technologies. Together, the projects showcased complementary approaches ranging from carbon capture and utilisation to algae-based biofuels and solar-driven fuel conversion technologies.

For SUNFUSION, this collaboration represents a valuable opportunity to amplify impact, accelerate innovation, and contribute to sustainable fuels for the transport sector.

Participation in the FUELPHORIA Parallel Event

SUNFUSION also participated in the FUELPHORIA parallel event titled “Sustainable Fuels Deployment, Lessons Learned, and Policy Recommendations.” The event brought together several Horizon Europe projects working on advanced biofuels and renewable fuels to discuss deployment challenges, policy recommendations, and innovation pathways for sustainable fuel technologies in Europe.

During the session, SUNFUSION coordinator Dr. Nikolaos Tsongidis from Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) delivered a pitch presentation presenting SUNFUSION’s innovative approach to solar-powered biofuel production using microalgae and oleaginous yeasts. The presentation highlighted the project’s contribution to renewable energy integration and climate-neutral fuel production.

Projects participating in the event included:

The participation at EUBCE 2026 further strengthened collaboration among Horizon Europe initiatives working toward accelerating sustainable fuel deployment and supporting Europe’s green transition.

SUNFUSION at High-Level Events

Throughout the year, SUNFUSION has been actively represented at key scientific and knowledge-sharing events, providing opportunities to present project results, exchange expertise, and engage with stakeholders across the bioenergy and sustainability fields.

On 9 February 2026, researchers from the Middle East Technical University (METU) presented the SUNFUSION project during the HelioHelix Winter School in Ankara, an international educational and training event supported by the SolarHub Horizon Europe project. The event brought together graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and members of the research community to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in renewable energy technologies. The presentation introduced the project’s objectives, innovative approaches, and expected contributions to the development of sustainable aviation and marine fuels.
SUNFUSION was presented at the Workshop on Clean Energy Transition, held at Sabancı University in Istanbul, Türkiye on 27 March 2026. The event brought together approximately 25 participants from academia, industry, municipalities, and non-governmental organisations to discuss innovative approaches supporting the transition towards clean and sustainable energy systems.
SUNFUSION participated in the Clustering Event on Advanced Biofuels organised by CINEA on 17 March 2026, bringing together more than 30 Horizon Europe projects working on advanced biofuels for aviation, maritime, and heavy-duty transport. The project was presented by the SUNFUSION Coordinator, Nikolaos Tsongidis from CERTH, who highlighted SUNFUSION’s innovative approach to producing sustainable aviation and marine fuels. The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration across the European biofuels community.
Researchers from the CERTH and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) presented the paper: “Model-based Approach of Combined Microalgae Cultivation and Hydrothermal Liquefaction Processes Supported with Renewable Energy Sources towards Advanced Biofuels Production” at the 15th Panhellenic Scientific Conference of Chemical Engineering. The presented work focused on the integration of microalgae cultivation and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) processes supported by renewable energy sources. Through process simulation and modelling, the study evaluated the potential of solar-assisted HTL systems to improve energy efficiency and support the production of sustainable aviation and marine fuels.
From 19-22 May 2026, SUNFUSION partners participated in the 34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE 2026) in The Hague, the Netherlands, where the project was represented through two scientific presentations. Nikolaos Tsongidis (CERTH) presented the overall SUNFUSION concept, highlighting the project’s innovative approach to producing sustainable aviation and marine fuels through the integration of synergistic microalgae and oleaginous yeast cultivation, solar-assisted continuous hydrothermal liquefaction, thermal energy storage, and biocrude upgrading. Chara Poravou (CERTH) presented the project’s latest research on the model-based integration of microalgae cultivation with solar-assisted hydrothermal liquefaction, demonstrating the potential of concentrated solar power and thermal energy storage to improve the efficiency and sustainability of renewable biofuel production. The presentations provided an excellent opportunity to disseminate the project’s latest developments, exchange knowledge with the international biomass research community, and strengthen collaboration with experts working on advanced bioenergy technologies.
CERTH partners presented the SUNFUSION project at the 3rd General Meeting of the CYPHER COST Action, held from 6–8 May 2026 at the Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center, Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Istanbul, Türkiye. The event brought together researchers and experts from the scientific community working on topics related to sustainable energy systems, carbon management, and process modeling. During the meeting, CERTH delivered an oral presentation introducing the SUNFUSION project, its objectives, expected outcomes, and the overall process modeling framework being developed within the project.
SUNFUSION was showcased at the 93rd International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, Serbia, held from 16 to 21 May 2026, by partners from Future Systems Hub. The project was presented through interactive discussions and direct engagement with visitors, highlighting its innovative approach to producing sustainable aviation and marine fuels from microalgae and yeast biomass. The fair attracted approximately 120,000 visitors, making it one of the most important agricultural events in Southeast Europe.

SUNFUSION Consortium Meeting in Grenoble

SUNFUSION partners gathered in Grenoble, France, for the project’s 15-Month Consortium Meeting, hosted by CEA-LITEN on 11–12 March 2026. During the two-day meeting, partners reviewed the progress achieved across the project’s work packages, discussed technical developments, and aligned the next steps for the coming project period. The meeting also included technical discussions, planning activities, and a visit to CEA-LITEN facilities, providing valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange among consortium members.

Strengthening Collaboration at Team Meetings

As SUNFUSION moves forward, partners continue to strengthen collaboration through regular Scientific and Exploitation Team meetings, fostering knowledge exchange and strategic alignment across the project.

Beyond monitoring project developments, the meetings also focused on shaping the future impact of SUNFUSION. Partners discussed the project’s exploitation strategy, future steps for the exploitation of key results and defining pathways to ensure the long-term uptake of project outcomes.

By fostering knowledge exchange and strategic planning, these meetings have helped strengthen collaboration within the consortium while supporting SUNFUSION’s broader scientific, technological, and innovation ambitions.

Before you go, we invite you to visit SUNFUSION’s website and follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).