SWEET

Am 29. September 2026 laden das DBFZ und der BioEconomy e. V. zum 7. Bioraffinerietag nach Leipzig ein. Unter dem Motto „Schlüsseltechnologien für die biobasierte Zukunft“ stehen aktuelle Entwicklungen, innovative Verfahren und neue Technologien für biobasierte Produkte und Kraftstoffe im Mittelpunkt. Die Veranstaltung bietet Fachvorträge, Networking sowie Einblicke in die Forschungsanlagen des DBFZ. Das Programm ist ab sofort verfügbar.

DBFZ

On September 29, 2026, the DBFZ and BioEconomy e. V. invite you to the 7th Biorefinery Day in Leipzig. Under the theme “Key Technologies for a Bio-Based Future,” the course will focus on current developments, innovative processes, and new technologies for bio-based products and fuels. The course will feature expert presentations, networking opportunities, and tours of the DBFZ’s research facilities. The program is now available.

FVTR

Liquid drop-in biofuels and innovative additives are considered promising solutions in the shipping industry, but they raise numerous technical, economic, and regulatory questions. These issues will be the focus of the Rostock Large Engine Symposium on October 13–14, 2026, in Rostock. The symposium is organized by our project partner LKV Rostock and the Research Center for Internal Combustion Engines and Thermodynamics Rostock (FVTR). Representatives from government agencies, fuel manufacturers, engine and component producers, as well as end-users, will provide insights across the entire value chain.

Cynthia Ruf, KIT

How can research and innovation drive the ramp-up of renewable fuels? Raimund Haser, State Secretary of Baden-Württemberg, visited KIT on August 31 to learn more about this. At the Energy Lab, the focus was on current research into reFuels, Power-to-X, and the use of renewable feedstocks. The potential of renewable resources for Europe’s future fuel supply was also a topic of discussion, including a recent study showing that, based on EU assumptions, the resource base could be sufficient to fully meet Europe’s fuel demand by 2040.

The study examines the value chain for the production of synthetic kerosene (eSAF) in Germany. The modeling shows that technological challenges remain, particularly with regard to CO₂ supply, hydrogen production, and the integration of the individual process steps. The cost of producing eSAF using the Fischer-Tropsch process is estimated at approximately 7,799 euros per metric ton. This highlights that the choice of production sites and the design of the entire value chain are crucial for reducing costs in the future.

CENA

The new CENA SAF Outlook 2026 shows that Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) remain indispensable for the decarbonization of aviation. While Europe is expected to be able to meet its SAF quotas through 2030 primarily with its own bio-SAF production, demand will significantly exceed available supplies starting in 2035. Regulatory uncertainties and a lack of investment are particularly threatening the market ramp-up for e-SAF. The report thus underscores the need for action to establish a reliable policy framework.

DLR

The study, conducted by DLR, examines how 100 percent Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (SPK-SAF) can contribute to reducing the non-CO₂ impacts of air travel in the future. The results show that targeted fuel supply at major airports such as Frankfurt and Munich could be particularly beneficial, while a book-and-claim system represents a better alternative for smaller locations. At the same time, the study identifies key prerequisites for a successful rollout—ranging from certification and infrastructure expansion to the further development of the regulatory framework.

With the release of the short film “Market & Regulation,” the InnoFuels project’s video series is now complete. A total of eight short films were produced over the course of the project: one film introduces the InnoFuels project as a whole, while the other seven focus on specific thematic areas. The latest video, now available, shows the issues the project partners are addressing within the “Market & Regulation” focus area and how their work contributes to a better understanding and further development of the regulatory and market-related framework for renewable fuels. All eight videos can be found here.

The internal InnoFuels project meeting held on June 23 in Leipzig focused on personal exchange and looking ahead together. The various innovation focus areas presented their most important results and highlights from the past few months. During brainstorming sessions, future topics and scenarios were discussed and further developed. The target of the partner day was to bring together the results from the various areas of work, identify synergies, and provide new impetus for further collaboration.