eFuels in the construction industry -
What advantages do synthetic fuels offer?
Frequently asked questions answered by the eFuels Forum:
- What are eFuels?
- Why are eFuels so important for the construction industry?
- How are eFuels produced?
- Can synthetic fuels be used in any engine?
- What climate targets is Germany pursuing by 2045?
- How much does a litre of synthetic diesel cost?
- When will eFuels be available on the market?
- What are the obstacles to fully electrifying fleets and construction machinery?
- Can eFuels be stored without difficulty?
- Buying eFuels: where can you get them?
Always stay up to date with eFuels?
What are eFuels?
eFuels, also referred to as power-to-liquid fuels, are synthetic fuels produced using electricity. If renewable energy sources are used, eFuels can serve as an alternative to fossil fuels. They are compatible with existing combustion engines and infrastructure and are being discussed as a possible option for the gradual defossilisation of the transport sector.
Composition: Synthetic fuels resemble fossil fuels such as petrol or diesel in their composition and properties. Their use releases COâ‚‚. However, the greenhouse gas balance of eFuels depends largely on the energy sources, carbon sources and production conditions involved.
Why are eFuels so important for the construction industry?
The construction industry is also affected by national and international climate targets. According to a McKinsey study, it remains one of the sectors with high greenhouse gas emissions. With a view to climate targets for 2030 and beyond, the question of how fossil energy sources in construction machinery and vehicle fleets can gradually be replaced or supplemented is becoming increasingly significant. Synthetic fuels are being discussed as one possible option, as they can be used in existing engines and infrastructure and enable the use of fuels produced from renewable sources.
eFuels production: how are eFuels produced?
eFuels are produced by converting electricity from renewable sources into synthetic liquid or gaseous fuels. The production process involves several steps:
- Electrolysis: First, renewable energy such as wind or solar power is used to electrolyse water to produce hydrogen (H2). This step requires electrolysers that split water into its constituent elements,
hydrogen and oxygen. - COâ‚‚ supply: Depending on the production process, carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) from the atmosphere or from industrial processes can be provided as a carbon source.
- Synthesis: The hydrogen and carbon dioxide are then converted into synthetic hydrocarbons in a chemical reaction. Various processes can be used, including Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, methanol synthesis and other technologies.
- Refining: The synthetic hydrocarbons can then be refined to produce the desired type of eFuel. Depending on the intended use, this may be petrol, diesel, kerosene or other liquid or gaseous fuels.
Refueling eFuels: Can synthetic fuels be refueled in any engine?
In short: Yes. In principle, synthetic fuels can be used in all engines designed to run on conventional fossil fuels.
The reason for this is their physical and chemical properties, which are similar to those of fossil fuels. This means that they can be used in most cars, trucks, buses, airplanes and ships that run on petrol, diesel or kerosene.
But eFuels are also perfectly suited for engines in the construction industry – for example:
- Diesel engines (agricultural machinery, construction machinery and commercial vehicles)
- Diesel hybrid systems (excavators and wheel loaders)
- Diesel electric drives (compressors)
What climate targets is Germany pursuing by 2045?
With the amendment to the 2019 Climate Change Act, the Federal Government tightened its climate requirements and enshrined the target of greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. By 2030, emissions are to fall by 65 per cent compared with 1990.
The greenhouse gas reduction pathway is set as follows: at least 65% by 2030, at least 88% by 2040 and net greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. After 2050, net greenhouse gas emissions are to be negative.
eFuels costs: What does a liter of synthetic diesel cost?
Currently, steadily growing quantities of eFuels are being produced in various test facilities and laboratories. The price of producing larger quantities would still be significantly higher than that of fossil fuels today. However, various studies see production costs at around 1 euro per liter in the foreseeable future , assuming consistent further development of production technology.
When will eFuels hit the market?
eFuels are already on the market, but are still at an early stage of development. As a result, they are currently still more expensive than conventional fossil fuels. However, there are some pilot projects and initial applications in aviation, shipping , and motorsports using eFuels. Nationwide coverage is planned for the next few years.
What are the obstacles to fully electrifying fleets and construction machinery?
Electrification is being discussed as a possible way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle fleets and construction machinery. At the same time, challenges currently exist that can make its implementation more difficult in certain applications:
- Costs: Electrically powered vehicles and construction machinery currently often have higher purchase costs than comparable conventional models.
- Range: Depending on their operating profile, electric vehicles and construction machinery may have shorter ranges than comparable vehicles and machinery running on liquid fuels. This can be particularly challenging during long operating periods or in remote areas.
- Charging infrastructure: Operating electric vehicles and machinery requires suitable charging infrastructure, which is not available in all operating environments.
- Batteries and recycling: Batteries have a limited service life and may need to be replaced. Battery recycling and recovery systems are also still being expanded in many areas.
- The need for hybrid solutions: Different propulsion concepts may be used in certain applications, particularly in heavy construction machinery. These include hybrid solutions combining electric and other types of propulsion.
In brief: Transforming the vehicle fleet and construction machinery sector is likely to require a range of technologies and measures to support national and international climate targets economically and with planning certainty.
Storing eFuels: Can eFuels be stored without any problems?
Yes, eFuels can be stored in tanks, much like traditional fossil fuels.
Buy eFuels: Where to get eFuels?
eFuels are not yet widely available in Germany in large quantities. However, there are companies that already produce and distribute eFuels. Availability may vary depending on the region.
Some car manufacturers are also actively working on the development or further development of eFuels and have announced partnerships with eFuel producers.
In addition, various filling station operators such as the partners of the eFuels Forum intend to offer eFuels in the future as soon as they are available.
So if you want to buy eFuels, you should first contact local energy companies or filling station operators to find out whether they offer these products or whether there are plans to sell them in the future.
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