Unlimited petrol? Chinese firm claims it can produce fuel from air and water

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Mandy Zuo,Mia NurmamatMarch 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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A Shanghai-based start-up, Carbonology, claims to have developed a cost-effective method for producing synthetic petroleum from air and water using renewable energy. The company, founded in 2024, asserts it can convert captured carbon dioxide into fuels like petrol, diesel, and jet fuel at competitive market prices. Carbonology confirmed the report and is reportedly preparing for large-scale production in China. This development comes as China seeks alternatives to fossil fuels, amid geopolitical tensions. While direct air capture (DAC) technology is advancing, most captured carbon dioxide is currently stored rather than converted into fuel.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tesla 50% Iran 50% Israel 50% United States 60% China ×280% Carbonology ×490%

Keywords

direct air capture 80% synthetic petroleum 70% carbon dioxide capture 60% fossil fuels 50% renewable energy 50% climate change mitigation 40%

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Positive

Score: 0.30

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Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

China

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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direct air capture synthetic petroleum carbon dioxide capture fossil fuels renewable energy climate change mitigation

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