The SAF Podcast: Synhelion - Harnessing the power of the sun

In this episode of The SAF Podcast, host Oscar Henderson speaks with Gianluca Ambrosetti, CEO and co-founder of Synhelion, to explore the future of solar fuels and their role in scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Synhelion’s pioneering thermochemical process converts CO₂ and biomass-derived carbon into renewable liquid fuels using high-temperature solar heat and thermal energy storage—delivering continuous, 24/7 production without relying on costly green hydrogen.

Gianluca shares his journey from physicist to clean-energy entrepreneur, explains the technical differences between solar fuels, e-fuels, and biofuels, and details how Synhelion’s technology achieves high carbon efficiency and cost-competitive production targets—potentially under €1 per litre at commercial scale. The discussion covers their Dawn pilot plant in Germany, which integrates both concentrated solar power and photovoltaic-powered heating, enabling full end-to-end SAF production and critical scale-up learning.

We also examine feedstock strategies, including biomethane and CO₂ utilisation, location selection for optimal solar conditions, and the logistics of transporting high-energy-density fuels globally with minimal emissions. Gianluca outlines Synhelion’s scale-up roadmap, including intermediate commercial steps to de-risk investment, the importance of strategic and institutional partnerships, and the role of policy frameworks, mandates, and debt guarantees in financing large-scale SAF facilities.

If you enjoy the podcast, join us at SAF Investor New York where we are bringing together industry leaders to discuss the critical issues around accelerating capital deployment in SAF production. We would love to see as many of you there! You can register through the following link: https://corporate-jet-investor.myshopify.com/collections/saf-investor-new-york