Giga PtX: Rheinmetall’s vision for decentralized e-fuel production strengthens European defence independence

Giga PtX: Rheinmetall’s vision for decentralized e-fuel production strengthens European defence independence

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall has presented the “Giga PtX” project, a forward-looking plan to enable European armed forces to produce their own e-fuels locally and independently of global fossil fuel supply chains. Partnering with Greenlyte Carbon Technologies, Sunfire, and INERATEC, Rheinmetall aims to establish a network of modular facilities across Europe capable of producing up to 7,000 tonnes of synthetic fuels per year. The concept combines hydrogen production, carbon capture, and advanced fuel synthesis technologies to ensure energy self-sufficiency, operational resilience, and climate neutrality. CEO Armin Papperger described the project as a critical step toward securing Europe’s defence energy independence and supporting industrial transformation.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 3-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall has introduced an ambitious strategic concept that could revolutionize how European military forces secure their energy supply: the independent production of e-fuels directly by the armed forces. The initiative, known as “Giga PtX,” envisions a Europe-wide network of modular e-fuel plants capable of producing between 5,000 and 7,000 tonnes of synthetic diesel, marine diesel, or kerosene per facility each year. Developed in collaboration with leading cleantech and industrial partners — Greenlyte Carbon Technologies, Sunfire, and INERATEC — the project aims to strengthen energy autonomy, operational resilience, and climate sustainability within Europe’s defence infrastructure.

The Giga PtX concept addresses a growing strategic priority: reducing dependence on global fossil fuel supply chains, which remain vulnerable to disruption in times of conflict or crisis. By producing renewable synthetic fuels on-site, armed forces could operate decentrally and independently, ensuring continuity of operations while supporting the EU’s long-term energy transition and decarbonization goals.

As general contractor, Rheinmetall will oversee the system integration, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the facilities, offering a complete, end-to-end solution for its customers. “We have exactly the partners we need. We are prepared and can start immediately,” said Birgit Görtler, Vice President Sales Hydrogen at Rheinmetall. “We are ready to go in order to strengthen fuel resilience in Germany and Europe in the long term.”

The project brings together several high-profile partners whose complementary technologies form the backbone of the system:

Sunfire, a world leader in industrial electrolysers, will supply pressurized alkaline electrolysers essential for generating green hydrogen, a core component of e-fuel production. Its SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell) technology further enhances efficiency by utilizing waste heat as steam, enabling more hydrogen — and consequently more fuel — to be produced from the same amount of electricity.

Greenlyte Carbon Technologies, based in North Rhine-Westphalia, contributes a modular carbon capture solution capable of extracting CO₂ directly from ambient air. This direct air capture technology ensures that e-fuel facilities can operate independently of existing industrial infrastructure, increasing geographic flexibility and sustainability.

INERATEC, Rheinmetall’s long-term partner from Karlsruhe, provides the core conversion technologies — including the Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis processes — that transform hydrogen and carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels. The company’s expertise was recently demonstrated at Europe’s largest power-to-liquid plant in Frankfurt am Main, capable of producing 2,500 tonnes of sustainable fuel annually.

Commenting on the initiative, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, emphasized the project’s dual importance for energy security and defence readiness: “War readiness requires a resilient energy infrastructure. Maintaining fossil fuel supply chains will be challenging for European countries in the event of a defence situation. With the Giga PtX facilities, Rheinmetall and its partners are sending a strong signal of industrial transformation, climate protection, and security resilience in Europe.”

The company stated that initial facilities could be deployed in the short term, once the appropriate political and regulatory frameworks are in place.

About Rheinmetall

The stock exchange listed Rheinmetall AG in Düsseldorf is a leading international systems provider for the defence industry and a driving force behind pioneering technological and industrial innovations in civilian markets. With over 40,000 employees at 174 sites worldwide, Rheinmetall generated sales of €9.8 billion in 2024. With its technologies, products and systems, the company creates the indispensable basis for peace, freedom and sustainable development: which is security.

About Greenlyte Carbon Technologies:

Greenlyte is one of Europe’s most innovative new energy start-ups, with the clear goal of reshaping the global energy industry. With LiquidSolar, the company has developed a fully electric system, protected by over 10 patent families, that simultaneously produces green carbon and hydrogen, thus supplying the essential raw materials for the production of e-fuels. This enables the scalable production of e-fuels at prices that are competitive with fossil fuels.

Since its founding in 2022, Greenlyte has secured over €45 million in capital and funds, has built a team of over 70 experts and is currently working with leading industry partners to implement its first commercial plants.

About Sunfire:

Sunfire is a global leader in the production of industrial electrolyzers based on pressurized alkaline and solid oxide (SOEC) technologies. With its electrolysis solutions, Sunfire is addressing a key challenge of today’s energy system: Providing renewable hydrogen and syngas as climate-neutral substitutes for fossil energy. Sunfire’s innovative and proven electrolysis technology enables the transformation of carbon-intensive industries that are currently dependent on fossil-based oil, gas, or coal. The company employs more than 650 people located in Germany and Switzerland.

About INERATEC:

INERATEC stands for defossilisation and decarbonisation. The company produces e-fuels and e-chemicals: CO₂-neutral substitutes for fossil fuels used in aviation, shipping and the chemical industry. The modular, scalable facilities use renewable hydrogen and biogenic CO₂ to produce synthetic kerosene, petrol, diesel, waxes, methanol and natural gas. The company is based in Karlsruhe and is supported by various international investors.

Media Contacts:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748
oliver.hoffmann@
rheinmetall.com

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG