Fuel is produced from carbon dioxide and water in Szeged, but there is still a long way to go to the aircraft's tank.

Researchers in Szeged have developed synthetic liquid fuel from carbon dioxide and water, but integrating the production steps into a single system remains a challenge. The first product samples are expected by 2028, with a prototype planned for 2029. However, the initial output will not be suitable for aircraft without further processing to meet aviation fuel standards. The technology utilizes renewable electricity to convert CO2 and water into hydrocarbons, with various components already operational. The integration of these processes is complex due to differing operational requirements. Economic viability hinges on energy consumption, with estimates suggesting that producing synthetic fuel requires significantly more electricity than traditional kerosene. Future costs could range from 2 to 4 euros per liter by 2030, depending on various factors, but the path to producing usable aviation fuel involves additional refining steps.