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Transparency on the subject of eFuels
Transparency is the key to creating trust in new technologies.
And openness to technology is the key to achieving the transport transition.
At eFuels Forum, we attach great importance to providing you with all the information you need to make informed decisions.
The terms “climate-neutral” and “CO2-neutral” are often interpreted differently.
In addition, the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH ) ruled on June 27, 2024 that terms such as “climate-neutral” or “CO2-neutral” must be explained clearly and precisely in advertising so as not to mislead consumers.
We welcome this approach and have prepared our content accordingly.
It is particularly important to us that you, the consumer, fully understand the information provided and can make informed decisions.
The eFuels Forum explains:
- What are eFuels and how do they differ from fossil fuels?
- How are eFuels produced?
- What exactly do new issues mean for eFuels?
- Scientific basis for the CO2 emissions of eFuels?
- What exactly do new issues mean for eFuels?
- How high are the pollutant emissions of eFuels?
- Frequently asked questions about CO2 emissions from eFuels?
- Conclusion and outlook
Always stay up to date with eFuels?
What are eFuels and how do they differ from fossil fuels?
eFuels (“electricity-based fuels”) are liquid synthetic fuels that are produced from hydrogen and carbon dioxide using green electricity. The CO2 is taken either directly from the air or from industrial waste gases. This manufacturing process makes it possible to produce liquid fuels that can be used in existing combustion engines without the need for new vehicles or infrastructure.
In contrast to fossil fuels, which are obtained from crude oil and release CO2 that has been bound in the ground for millions of years during combustion, eFuels only release the CO2 that was previously captured from the atmosphere or from exhaust gases for their production. This means that no additional CO2 is released into the atmosphere as long as the entire production process is powered by renewable energies. The CO2 emissions generated during transportation and distribution must also be included in the overall balance.
How are eFuels produced?
The production of eFuels is based on so-called power-to-liquid processes (PtL).
In this process, renewable electricity is used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis.
This green hydrogen is then combined with carbon dioxide using either the Fischer-Tropsch process or methanol synthesis to produce a climate-friendly fuel.
It is crucial that the electricity comes from renewable sources such as solar or wind energy in order to have a positive impact on the carbon footprint.
What exactly does “new issues” mean for eFuels?
Burning fossil fuels releases CO2 into the atmosphere that was previously bound in the ground for millions of years in the form of crude oil. We call this new CO2 emissions because this CO2 was not previously part of the active carbon cycle in the atmosphere. In contrast, the use of eFuels only releases as much CO2 as was previously removed from the atmosphere during their production. As a result, eFuels do not contribute to increasing the CO2 content in the atmosphere, provided they are produced using renewable energy. For clarification:
CO2 emissionsThese are the total amounts of CO2 released during the combustion of fuels. With fossil fuels such as petrol or diesel, around 0.7 to 0.9 kilograms of CO2 are released per megajoule of energy. The combustion of eFuels releases a similar amount of CO2, as the chemical composition is comparable. The difference, however, lies in the origin of this CO2.
New CO2 emissionsThese refer to the additional CO2 that enters the atmosphere as a result of human activities and was not previously present in the active carbon cycle. Fossil fuels produce 100% new CO2 emissions as they release carbon from geological sources. With eFuels, on the other hand, the CO2 that is emitted during combustion is previously removed from the air or from exhaust gases during the fuel production process. Therefore, no net additional CO2 is released into the atmosphere, provided that the production is carried out using renewable energies. Of course, the CO2 emissions that may arise during transportation and distribution must also be included in the overall balance, especially if the electricity mix is not completely renewable.
eFuels: Studies on new CO2 emissions
The savings in new CO2 emissions through the use of e-fuels depend heavily on the underlying assumptions and scenarios. Two central and independent studies, the GHG Saving Potential of E-fuels and the research report “reFuels – Rethinking Fuels”, show similar results and have some common findings.
Both studies come to the conclusion that savings of almost 100% of new CO2 emissions are possible through the use of eFuels, provided that the following assumptions apply:
- eFuels are produced entirely with 100% renewable energies such as wind, solar or hydropower
- efficient production processes with no additional emissions during production, maintaining a closed carbon cycle
Both studies follow the approach of a comprehensive life cycle analysis (LCA) for the production and use of eFuels. These analyses consider the environmental impact of eFuels over their entire life cycle – from production to use in the vehicle.
Study on new CO2 emissions from eFuels in the maritime sector
The Norwegian study GHG Saving Potential of E-fuels shows a possible reduction in new CO2 emissions of up to 99%, assuming that e-fuels are produced entirely with renewable energy and no additional emissions are generated in the production process.
Source: GHG Saving Potential of E-fuels
Research report on life cycle assessments of fuel production and combustion
The research report reFuels – Rethinking Fuels comes to a similar conclusion. By taking a detailed look at the entire life cycle – from raw material extraction, production and transportation through to use in the vehicle – the analysis shows that significant emission savings can be achieved compared to fossil fuels.
How high are the pollutant emissions of eFuels?
The research report reFuels – Rethinking Fuels provides important data on the pollutant emissions of eFuels compared to fossil fuels:
-
Particulate matter emissions (PM2.5): The life cycle assessment analyses in the report show that eFuels often have lower particulate matter emissions (PM2.5) than fossil fuels.
These lower emissions are due to the clean combustion processes and the higher quality of synthetic fuels, which cause less incomplete combustion and therefore less particle formation. -
Nitrogen oxide emissions (NOâ‚“): The report highlights that nitrogen oxide (NOâ‚“) emissions can vary when using eFuels, depending on the type of synthetic fuel and the specific engine.
In some cases, slightly increased NOâ‚“ values were found, which may be due to differences in the combustion process between synthetic and fossil fuels.
Despite these variations, the emissions of eFuels generally remain within the legal limits and can be further reduced by optimizing the engine technology. -
Comparison of greenhouse gas emissions: The report’s life cycle analyses show that eFuels can have a significantly better balance in terms of new CO2 emissions, depending on the production process and electricity source used. New emissions can be significantly reduced, especially if renewable energies such as wind or solar power are used in the production process. This is also the assessment of the researchers and authors of the study GHG Saving Potential of E-fuels.
Source: Research report reFuels – Rethinking fuels
Source: GHG Saving Potential of E-fuels
In addition, the ADAC tested the pollutant emissions of vehicles powered by eFuels in 2022.
Three vehicle models were examined:
- VW Golf VIII: “All test results confirm the engine’s very low pollutant emissions.
In all cycles, emissions are well below the limit values, even in the very demanding highway cycle of the ADAC Ecotest.
Particle emissions are extremely low with both fuels.
NOâ‚“ emissions are even reduced by around 40 percent with the electricity-based fuel.” - Ford Fiesta: “In the test, the pollutant emissions are partly within the limit values.
With the e-fuel from CAC, there is a slight deterioration in nitrogen oxides, but the percentage difference is so marginal (in absolute values) that it could also be due to measurement tolerances.” - VW Golf VII: “With the E10 e-fuel from CAC, the emissions change only slightly.
Despite a slight increase in nitrogen oxides and an increased number of particles in the exhaust gas, the values remain legally compliant.”
Source: https://www.adac.de/verkehr/tanken-kraftstoff-antrieb/alternative-antriebe/e-fuels-test/
Frequently asked questions about CO2 emissions from eFuels
Why is the efficiency of eFuels production not crucial as long as renewable energies are used?
The efficiency of the production of eFuels, i.e. how many kWh of electricity are required, is not the decisive factor if production takes place in regions where there is no shortage of renewable energies such as wind or sun.
In such areas, the use of renewable energy is abundant, so the production of eFuels does not place an additional burden on the electricity grid and has no negative impact on the carbon footprint.
Therefore, it may make more sense to produce eFuels in these regions instead of focusing solely on the efficiency of energy conversion.
How important is the transportation and distribution of eFuels for the overall carbon footprint?
The transportation and distribution of eFuels play an important role in the overall CO2 balance.
It goes without saying that all CO2 emissions generated during transportation and distribution must be included in the calculation of total emissions.
To take full advantage of the environmental benefits of eFuels, it is important that these processes are designed to be as low-emission or emission-free as possible.
Well thought-out logistics can help to minimize CO2 emissions during distribution.
What happens if eFuels are produced with the current electricity mix?
Producing eFuels with the current electricity mix (i.e. still with a high proportion of fossil energy sources) is not practical.
Electricity generation from fossil sources leads to additional new CO2 emissions, which are included in the balance of eFuels production.
It is therefore crucial that eFuels are produced with a very high proportion of renewable energy in order to fully realize the benefits in terms of reducing new CO2 emissions.
Conclusion and outlook
eFuels offer a promising opportunity to reduce new CO2 emissions in the transport sector, especially in areas where the transition to electric mobility is more difficult.
It is important to continue to follow developments in this area and to focus on a combination of different technologies to enable the best solutions for sustainable mobility.
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