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2026-2027 / ENRG0005-1

Power-to-fuel systems

Duration

26h Th, 22h Pr, 4d FW

Number of credits

 Master MSc. in Chemical and Materials Science Engineering, professional focus in Chemical Engineering5 crédits 
 Master Msc. in Energy Engineering, professional focus in Energy Conversion (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)5 crédits 
 Master of Science in Energy Engineering, professional focus5 crédits 

Lecturer

Motiar Rahaman X

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, (different coloured) 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 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:


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

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 would be beneficial.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is organized as follows:
~26 h lecture (~13 lectures)
~26 h practice/practical [22 h of project and proposal preparation, soft-skills development, and process simulation, complemented by a 4 h industry/research-centre visit for practical demonstration]
 

 

 

 

 

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

Face-to-face course


Further information:

The course will be taught through in-person lectures. Classroom lectures are very important as they facilitate advanced learning through group discussions, creative thinking and interactive question-and-answer sessions. Therefore, maximum attendance in classes is always expected.


When necessary (example, in the event of a transportation strike, or in any emergency situation), lectures can also be conducted in hybrid mode. Prior information will be provided.


Online platform for the hybrid mode lecture(s): Microsoft Teams. The invitation link will be shared with the students before the lecture.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Course materials and recommended books/notes/articles will be made available systematically along with the progress of the course. The students will receive the lecture notes before the lecture.


Platform(s) envisaged: eCampus

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam AND oral exam

Written work / report


Further information:

The assessment will be made through theoretical and practical examinations.


Theoretical exam: Written exam, open-book quiz.


Practical exam: Report preparation, PowerPoint presentation, Oral examination.



 

 

 

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, Room 04)
Faculty of Applied Sciences
University of Liège


Email: Motiar.Rahaman@uliege.be


Phone: +32 4366 2351

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