Production of synthetic fuels from green CO2 and H2 or from local waste for the decarbonization of maritime transport by Clust-ER Green Tech and LEAP S.C.A.R.L.

The proposal aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport by developing an integrated system for producing and using next-generation alternative fuels within the Emilia-Romagna region. It focuses on two complementary technological pathways: producing renewable synthetic fuels from captured CO₂ and locally generated green hydrogen, and converting regional waste and biomass into renewable fuels through gasification or pyrolysis followed by catalytic synthesis. While each individual technology is already relatively mature, their integration into real port environments (such as Ravenna) is still at an early stage. The project therefore seeks to assess the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of these supply chains, comparing different scenarios and identifying opportunities to link them with ongoing fleet renewal efforts, existing industrial processes, and local waste streams that are currently underused. In parallel, the initiative will activate a co-design process with regional stakeholders to define governance models, infrastructure needs, regulatory enablers, and potential financing instruments that would make these solutions viable and scalable. By building a circular, innovation-driven fuel ecosystem, the project aims to significantly reduce maritime emissions, create new industrial value chains, support local jobs and competences, and strengthen the region’s contribution to European climate goals.