What types of biofuels, e-fuels or synthetic fuels are likely to reduce the dependence of petrol cars in Europe? How do these fuels differ from each other?
Published by The team in News the 27/03/2023 at 18:55
The European Commission is finalizing its proposal to eliminate the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035, including hybrids . However, to maintain the functionality of combustion engines, the Commission is focusing on the use of synthetic fuels or e-fuels , also known as " green gasoline ". These fuels are considered an alternative solution for the automotive industry, as they have advantages over traditional fuels, but they also have disadvantages that must be taken into account.
It is important to emphasize that synthetic fuels and e-fuels should not be confused with biofuels . Although all three are considered green fuels , synthetic fuels and e-fuels are not produced from food crops , which is a major advantage over biofuels. However, their production requires renewable energy, which can limit their availability and profitability.
Differences between e-fuels and biofuels
Synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, are liquid fuels that resemble traditional gasoline and diesel. However, they do not come from fossil fuel sources, but are produced using renewable electricity and CO₂ captured from the air or an industrial facility. The production process for these fuels involves the use of renewable hydrogen , produced from a renewable energy source via the electrolysis of water .
Unlike fossil fuels, the production of synthetic fuels generates virtually no greenhouse gas emissions. Synthetic fuels have physico-chemical properties similar to traditional fuels and can therefore be used in existing heat engines without requiring major modifications. The fuel distribution and storage chain is also the same as that of fossil fuels, which facilitates the transition to synthetic fuels.
Synthetic fuels are considered a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet emission reduction targets. Synthetic fuels can be produced on a large scale using renewable electricity and renewable hydrogen, reducing dependence on fossil energy sources and contributing to energy security. Synthetic fuels can also contribute to the decarbonization of the transport industry , since they can be used in all types of heat engines, including cars, trucks and planes.
Finally, synthetic fuels can help solve the problem of intermittent energy from renewable sources . By using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, which is stored and then used to produce synthetic fuels, energy can be stored and used as needed, helping to meet fluctuations in renewable energy production . It can also help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhance countries' energy security.
Synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, do not represent a major revolution for consumers like electric vehicles do . However, their high energy density means they can be used in planes, ships and utility vehicles, making them more convenient and safer to transport than hydrogen. Additionally, cars running on e-fuel could have the same CO₂ emissions as an electric car, making them an attractive alternative for both consumers and environmental regulations.
However, there is a flip side to the coin. The production of synthetic fuels is a complex process that requires many intermediate steps, and depends on renewable energies to be truly beneficial to the environment. Although renewable energy production is on the rise, it is unlikely that all countries can achieve mass production without depending on others, posing challenges for energy supply and security.
In summary, synthetic fuels have attractive advantages in terms of transport, CO₂ emissions and environmental regulations. However, their production is a complex process that depends on renewable energy and can pose challenges in terms of supply. It remains to be seen whether synthetic fuels will be adopted as a practical and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, or whether they will remain a niche area in the energy sector.
The production of synthetic fuels is not yet totally profitable. Indeed, according to calculations by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) , the cost of manufacturing e-fuel should be around 3 euros per liter in 2030. Although these figures give an idea, there are more visions optimists who foresee a significant reduction in the cost of synthetic fuels thanks to an increase in production and more favorable electricity prices. As an example, Bosch predicts that synthetic fuel could cost between €1.00 and €1.40 per liter in the long term, excluding taxes.
However, the manufacturing process for these synthetic fuels is also not fully efficient. The ICCT points out that well-to-car efficiency is only 16% for synthetic fuel, compared to 72% for an electric car. In other words, synthetic fuel requires a large amount of energy for its production, which limits its efficiency and increases its manufacturing cost.
In short, although the production of synthetic fuels is under development, their manufacturing cost remains high and their energy efficiency limited. The outlook for the future is however promising, thanks to an increase in production and more favorable electricity prices, which could allow a significant reduction in costs.
An increasingly real alternative to electric vehicles
Biofuels are a potential alternative to e-fuels and synthetic fuels, which are made from organic materials like plants or animal or food waste. Biofuels can be produced in a variety of ways, including mechanical, thermochemical, and biological processes . Depending on their origin and production method, biofuels are classified into different generations.
First-generation biofuels are produced from agricultural crops, such as vegetable oil-based biofuels , such as biodiesel and bioethanol . Second-generation biofuels are obtained from non-food waste, such as waste from the agro-food and forestry industries, used cooking oils and the organic fraction of urban waste. Third-generation biofuels are produced from algae and aquatic plants rich in natural oils. Fourth generation biofuels, still in development, involve the genetic modification of microorganisms to improve the efficiency of CO₂ capture and storage.
Biofuels have similar benefits to e-fuels, including the ability to be used in heat engines without requiring modifications and the ability to use existing storage and distribution infrastructure. However, the development of biofuels is not as advanced as that of e-fuels.
Although second generation biofuels are considered more sustainable than first generation biofuels, they are not fully sustainable. The crops needed to produce first-generation biofuels can result in the conversion of significant agricultural land, while the production of second-generation biofuels can require intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers. Third-generation biofuels, produced from algae and aquatic plants, may be more sustainable in the long term, but their large-scale production has not yet been achieved.
Despite the challenges associated with the production of biofuels, they represent an attractive option for the energy transition, especially in regions where agricultural crops are abundant and where food and forestry waste are available in significant quantities. Biofuels could offer a short-term solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport and aviation sectors, until more sustainable and efficient alternatives are developed.
Many large companies, including traditional oil companies, are investing in e-fuels to extend the life of combustion engines despite Europe's reluctance. Porsche and Audi are among the automotive brands that rely on this technology. Synthetic fuels are also supported by airlines such as KLM or Iberia , as well as aviation industry companies such as Boeing .
Germany, supported by countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Italy, recently pleaded with the EU for the use of synthetic fuels in internal combustion vehicles to to avoid their extinction after 2035. It seems that they are very close to obtaining their inclusion in the final proposal. However, the inclusion of biofuels is proposed but without much success so far.
The end result of the EU proposal on the use of synthetic fuels and biofuels seems imminent. The proposal is supported by several large companies, but Europe is still reluctant to extend the life of combustion engines. Synthetic fuels are attracting interest in the automotive and aeronautical industries, but it remains to be seen whether their use will be authorized on a large scale.
Ultimately, the EU's decision on synthetic fuels and biofuels will determine the future of combustion engines. Although many large companies support them, Europe remains reluctant to use them on a large scale. It is clear that synthetic fuels and biofuels continue to attract interest in the automotive and aeronautical industry, but it is still too early to say whether they will be allowed to be used on a large scale. The final EU proposal is expected to be announced soon, and the whole world is eagerly waiting to see what the decision will be.
