Making synthetic fuels: a Swiss scientist's bid to decarbonise cars and planes

Alessia Cesarini, a Swiss chemical engineer, is developing a synthetic "drop-in" fuel that works with existing combustion engines and infrastructure.

Michele Andina / SWI swissinfo.ch

Millions of combustion engines – powering machines, vehicles and aircraft – will remain in use for decades to come. Instead of replacing them, a Swiss chemical engineer is developing a greener alternative: a synthetic, “drop‑in” fuel that works with existing engines and infrastructure.

This content was published on

July 3, 2026 - 09:00