Renewable energy sources such as the sun and wind generate electricity depending on the weather, time of day and season. Surpluses often occur when energy demand is low, while at other times there is a shortage. Without suitable storage technologies, these surpluses are lost and cannot be used when they are urgently needed.

Electricity cannot be stored like water in a tank. Batteries and pumped storage power plants only offer short-term storage and reach their limits with seasonal fluctuations. In addition, batteries lose energy over a longer period of time and are not suitable for large-scale long-term storage.

eFuels store surplus electricity from renewable energies by converting it into liquid/gaseous chemical energy carriers. These can be stored, transported and used across sectors in the long term – for example in mobility, industry or the heating sector.

Yes, eFuels are an excellent addition for long-term storage. While batteries are efficient for short-term applications, eFuels allow large amounts of energy to be stored for months or even years.

eFuels score points for their high energy density, long-term stability and versatility in transportation and use.

eFuels can be used in existing infrastructure such as filling stations, pipelines and storage systems. This eliminates the high investments required for new storage and distribution networks, as is the case with batteries.

Sector coupling refers to the integration of different energy sectors such as electricity, heat and mobility. eFuels play a central role here, as they convert energy from the electricity sector into chemical fuels that can be used in other sectors. This creates a bridge between electricity production and consumption in areas such as transportation and industry.

Renewable energies are often produced depending on the weather and do not always match direct consumption. Sector coupling converts surplus electricity into chemical fuels that can be used in areas that cannot be electrified – for example in heavy goods transport or in high-temperature industry.

Thanks to the ability to efficiently store surplus electricity from renewable sources, eFuels reduce the need to switch off solar and wind power plants when there is excess production. This increases the economic efficiency and stability of the renewable energy system. If renewable energy can be stored in large quantities, the production infrastructure (e.g. wind turbines/PV plants) can be kept to a reasonable minimum, and with it the negative environmental impacts and costs that arise.