SUN-PERFORM

Synthetic biology United with Nanotechnology – A Biohybrid Approach to Improve Light-harvesting and CO2 Fixation for High Performance Sustainable Solar Fuel Production

Current solar fuel technologies, essential for a sustainable energy future, face significant challenges: low efficiency, slow production, and high costs. These hurdles are particularly problematic for sectors like aviation and maritime, where electrification is difficult. The EU-funded SUN-PERFORM project seeks to overcome these barriers with a bio-hybrid approach, combining nanotechnology and synthetic biology. By developing advanced nanocrystal light-harvesting systems and engineered microalgal solar cells, SUN-PERFORM aims to quadruple current solar-to-fuel conversion efficiencies. The project will pilot these innovations in Europe and Africa, ensuring they are sustainable, economically viable, and socially acceptable. SUN-PERFORM’s success could position Europe as a global leader in solar fuel technology, benefiting diverse stakeholders worldwide.