Metafuels and PSI Receive Funding Boost from Swiss Energy Office

Metafuels and PSI, innovators in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology compatible with existing aircraft fleets, have secured a substantial CHF 4.4 million grant from the Swiss Government's Federal Office of Energy. This significant financial injection will expedite the development and commercialization of their groundbreaking SAF solution. The funding underscores the Swiss government's commitment to fostering innovation in the aviation industry and accelerating the transition to low-carbon air travel.

The allocated funds will support the establishment and operation of a pioneering pilot facility utilizing Metafuels’ e-SAF technology, named aerobrew. This innovative technology is being developed in partnership with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland’s leading research institution for natural and engineering sciences. The facility, slated to be Switzerland’s first of its kind, will be situated at PSI’s campus in Villigen AG. Its primary goal is to showcase advanced sustainable aviation fuel technology and prepare it for large-scale commercial use, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts toward sustainable aviation solutions.

Metafuels, in collaboration with technology partner PSI, has successfully secured grant funding through the Pilot & Demonstration (P&D) program, owing to the groundbreaking nature of their technology and its alignment with the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050. This funding is timely, as decarbonizing aviation presents one of the most significant technological challenges today. While electrification and hydrogen are promising alternatives, their widespread adoption, particularly for long-haul flights, faces substantial logistical and design obstacles. In contrast, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offers a practical drop-in solution that can replace conventional kerosene, bridging the gap to a more sustainable aviation industry.

Metafuels specializes in sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) produced from renewable electricity, representing an advanced approach to reducing aviation's carbon footprint. This next-generation fuel is poised to be a leading solution for long-term decarbonization in air travel. Unlike other methods, e-SAF does not necessitate the re-engineering or replacement of aircraft, nor does it require changes to the existing fueling infrastructure. This compatibility with current commercial and cargo airline operations, route planning, and customer experiences makes e-SAF an attractive and versatile choice for the aviation industry.

Saurabh Kapoor, CEO and co-founder of Metafuels, emphasized the critical role of international business travel and the export of Swiss goods in the Swiss economy, both of which are significantly tied to aviation. He pointed out that decarbonizing major airports like Zurich and Geneva, which serve as key international transportation hubs, is crucial not only for Switzerland but also for the global effort to reduce carbon emissions. Kapoor expressed pride in securing a grant that will support Metafuels’ technology development, highlighting its importance in advancing Switzerland’s innovative and start-up-driven economy.