cookieImage
2025-2026 / ENRG0005-1

Power-to-fuel systems

Duration

26h Th, 26h Pr

Number of credits

 Master Msc. in Energy Engineering, professional focus in Energy Conversion5 crédits 

Lecturer

Motiar Rahaman

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course provides an in-depth understanding of Power-to-Fuel technologies, which convert renewable energy/electricity into synthetic fuels and chemicals. Students will explore the scientific principles, materials and process engineering, and system integration of different Power-to-Fuel pathways. Three key areas will be explored: i) green H2 generation using renewable electricity, ii) greenhouse gas CO2 conversion into value-added products, and iii) e-ammonia synthesis from N2 and industrial waste streams.

Emphasis is placed on the role of Power-to-Fuel systems in the energy transition, decarbonization strategies, and the development of sustainable energy systems. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into the challenges, applications, and future potential of Power-to-Fuel technologies in advancing a green, circular economy.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

This course will help the students to have an in-depth understanding of power-to-fuel technologies. From the 'Theoretical' part of the course, the students will learn:

  • Understanding of scientific, engineering and economic principles behind converting surplus renewable energy into fuels and chemicals.
  • Know about accessible renewable energy sources and their efficient, cost-effective utilization to achieve a sustainable future.
  • In-depth knowledge about the key power-to-fuel technologies, including electrolysis, green H2 generation, CO2 conversion into value-added products, and e-ammonia synthesis from waste streams.
  • Know about different state-of-the-art technologies involved in power-to-fuel systems; for example, electrolyzers for scalable fuel synthesis, catalyst systems, electrode materials, and process engineering.
  • Analyze environmental efficiency, mass & energy balance and life-cycle aspects of different power-to-fuel systems. Evaluation of techno-economic trade-offs.
  • Understand scalability challenges and infrastructure needs to make those processes industrial-scale for practical implementations.
From the 'Practical part' of the course, the students will learn:

  • Practical experiences of power-to-fuel systems. Experimental demonstrations (laboratory/industry visit) will be provided to the students for a clear understanding.
  • Soft-skill development: Training in writing grant proposals and research articles.
  • Simulation of a specified power-to-fuel process.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

The course will start from the very basic concepts of power-to-fuel technologies. A strong interest towards sustainable energy technologies is essential. Basics of chemical and energy engineering, primary knowledge of chemical processes and technologies, catalysis, and materials design would be beneficial.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:

~26 h lecture (~13 lectures)

~26 h practical (experimental demonstration, industry/laboratory visit, soft skill development, process simulation)


 

 

 

 

 

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Blended learning


Further information:

Face-to-face lectures are important as they will facilitate learning through group discussions, creative thinking and interactive question-and-answer sessions. When necessary, lectures can also be conducted in hybrid mode.

Online platform for the hybrid mode lectures: Microsoft Teams. The invitation link will be shared with the students beforehand.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Course materials, content of the lectures, and recommended books/articles will be made available systematically along with the progress of the course.

Platform(s) envisaged: eCampus

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire, open-ended questions )

Written work / report


Further information:

Theoretical exams: Written exam, open-book quiz.

Practical exams: Report preparation, PowerPoint presentation.



 

 

 

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

This is a new course in Energy Engineering, designed by a new professor. Therefore, minor adjustments/changes may be made with the progress of the course. Any updates will be discussed with the students and communicated in a timely manner.

Language of the course: This course will be taught in English.


 

 

Contacts

Dr Motiar Rahaman

Assistant Professor

Academic Chair in Power-to-Fuel

Department of Chemical Engineering, Office: B6h

University of Liège

 

Email: Motiar.Rahaman@uliege.be

Phone: +32 4366 2351


 

Association of one or more MOOCs