Can Synthetic Fuel Reduce Emissions Without New Engines?

The Swiss Connection science podcast — From shortwave broadcasting to a multimedia digital service – the Swiss voice in the world since 1935.

SWI swissinfo.ch

What if we told you there was a way to cut emissions from your car without making any changes to the engine? A Swiss chemical engineer is developing a synthetic “drop-in” fuel that works with existing vehicle and aircraft engines, parts and infrastructure.

This content was published on

November 6, 2026 – 10:00

I lead diverse teams of distribution specialists and multimedia journalists in creating multilingual content for a range of online platforms. I oversee the strategic development of our podcast and video products, driving innovative content creation and audience engagement.
After training as a broadcast journalist at City University of London, I worked in production and on-air as a journalist or contributor for a range of prime-time TV and radio programmes at top-tier broadcasters including the BBC, NPR, Deutsche Welle, and various commercial networks.

My work is focused on making videos and podcasts about science and technology topics. I specialize in developing explainatory video formats for mobile viewing, mixing animation and documentary styles.
I studied filmmaking and animation at Zurich University of the Arts and began working as a video journalist at SWI swissinfo.ch in 2004. Since then I have specialised in creating different styles of animation for our visual products.

I am a climate and science/technology reporter. I am interested in the effects of climate change on everyday life and scientific solutions.
Born in London, I am a dual citizen of Switzerland and the UK. After studying modern languages and translation, I trained as a journalist and joined swissinfo.ch in 2006. My working languages are English, German, French and Spanish.

In this episode of The Swiss Connection science podcast, host Jo Fahy and Swissinfo journalist Simon Bradley discuss synthetic fuel – how it is made and why it is not yet available at your local petrol pump. They visit the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) in Dübendorf, where researchers Alessia Cesarini and Nathalie Casas explain exactly how they produce their “drop-in” synthetic fuel and the major challenges of bringing it to market.

Find out more about the ‘The Swiss Connection’ science podcast and our other Swiss podcasts in English here, on Apple PodcastsExternal link, or SpotifyExternal link.

Climate solutions

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

This content was published on

Jul 3, 2026

A Swiss chemical engineer is developing a green fuel for combustion engines – a synthetic “drop-in” fuel that works with existing engines and infrastructure.

Can Synthetic Fuel Reduce Emissions Without New Engines?

Who is behind the bomb hoaxes hitting flights across Europe?

Maryland vs. Purdue Prediction, Odds, Picks For College Football Week 10

Maryland vs. Purdue Prediction, Odds, Picks For College Football Week 10

Explore the Geneva Times

Contact us:

Visit us

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Can Synthetic Fuel Reduce Emissions Without New Engines?

What if we told you there was a way to cut emissions from your car without making any changes to the engine? A Swiss chemical engineer is developing a synthetic “drop-in” fuel that works with existing vehicle and aircraft engines, parts and infrastructure.

More

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

Who is behind the bomb hoaxes hitting flights across Europe?

Maryland vs. Purdue Prediction, Odds, Picks For College Football Week 10

Maryland vs. Purdue Prediction, Odds, Picks For College Football Week 10

Explore the Geneva Times

Contact us:

Visit us

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password