Synthetic Fuel's Climate Impact: A Complex Issue

Synthetic fuels are increasingly being discussed as a potential solution to climate change mitigation. They are produced by combining CO2 with hydrogen, and this raw material is then used to manufacture the subtype – gasoline/petrol or diesel. However, the process is complex, costly, and energy-intensive, and some critics argue that synthetic fuels are four times less energy-efficient than batteries. In addition, while synthetic fuels can reduce CO2 emissions, they still release toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen into the atmosphere when burned. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of synthetic fuels in the context of climate change.

Synthetic fuels are four times less energy efficient than batteries

Synthetic fuels are produced by combining CO2 and hydrogen, which is then used to manufacture the subtype, such as gasoline, petrol or diesel. This process involves multiple stages, each of which adds cost and consumes energy.

The energy inefficiency of synthetic fuels is a significant drawback. Each time one type of energy is converted into another, some energy is wasted, usually in the form of heat. The manufacturing and distribution steps involved in creating the hydrogen and then producing the synthetic fuel result in a loss in efficiency.

According to Transport & Environment, hydrogen fuel cells are currently 2.3 times less energy efficient than batteries, with this deficit dropping to 2 times by 2050. Synthetic fuels are even less efficient, with estimates suggesting they are about four times less efficient than batteries, with little improvement expected by 2050.

This means that powering the current car fleet with synthetic fuels instead of batteries will require four times as much electricity generation, which seems impractical. If just 10% of the UK's cars, vans and small trucks used synthetic fuels, it would require three times as much renewable electricity as batteries.

The inefficiency of synthetic fuels means they are unlikely to be a viable solution to climate change.

Synthetic fuels are comparable to conventional fuels in terms of emissions

However, it is important to note that synthetic fuel manufacturers often actively capture atmospheric carbon to produce synthetic fuel, which helps to offset the emissions produced during combustion. In addition, synthetic fuels are typically produced using renewable energy sources and by capturing carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide from the air or industrial facilities. This closed-loop process results in a lower carbon footprint for synthetic fuels compared to conventional fossil fuels.

While synthetic fuels may not eliminate emissions entirely, they can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and combating climate change. Analysts predict that synthetic fuels can reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector by up to 85% by 2050. This reduction is significant and can have a positive impact on mitigating the effects of climate change.

Furthermore, synthetic fuels offer additional benefits beyond emissions reduction. They are efficient, as they have similar physicochemical properties to conventional fuels, making them compatible with existing combustion engines and infrastructure. Synthetic fuels are also sustainable, as they are produced from alternative and renewable raw materials, and they contribute to the progressive decarbonization of transportation and aviation sectors.

In conclusion, while synthetic fuels may not be a perfect solution, they offer a promising alternative to conventional fuels in terms of emissions reduction and provide additional strategic and innovative advantages that can accelerate the transition to a net-zero global economy.

Synthetic fuels are more expensive than conventional fuels

The cost of synthetic fuels is a significant hurdle for their widespread adoption. The upfront costs of building a synthetic fuel plant can run into millions of dollars, and the profit margins are slim. This makes it challenging to attract private investors, hindering the ability to raise capital. As a result, synthetic fuels are only economically feasible in regions with stringent emission policies and government subsidies.

When considering the cost to the consumer, synthetic fuels are even less competitive. The price per gallon of synthetic fuel can range from $10 to $38, which is significantly higher than the current average gasoline price. This makes synthetic fuel a costly option for everyday drivers.

In addition to the financial costs, synthetic fuels also have higher energy costs. The process of producing synthetic fuels involves multiple steps, each resulting in energy loss. This inefficiency means that powering vehicles with synthetic fuels would require significantly more electricity generation than using batteries.

Furthermore, the production of synthetic fuels requires concrete, a significant source of CO2 emissions. When considering the emissions from fuel shipping and refining, the environmental impact of synthetic fuels becomes less favourable.

While synthetic fuels offer the advantage of being compatible with existing fossil fuel technologies, their high costs and environmental impact make them a less attractive solution for combating climate change.

Synthetic fuels can be used with current internal combustion engines

Synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, are a type of liquid fuel that can be used with current internal combustion engines. They are manufactured using an environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral process. The carbon-neutral process involves extracting hydrogen from water through electrolysis and then combining it with carbon extracted from the surrounding air. This results in synthetic methanol, which can be refined to create artificial petrol, diesel, or kerosene.

One of the main advantages of synthetic fuels is that they are compatible with existing combustion engines and refueling infrastructure. This means that people who are not ready or able to switch to electric vehicles by 2030, when many governments are placing a ban on the sale of new petrol or diesel cars, may not need to make the transition. With synthetic fuels, carbon neutrality can be achieved not just for electric vehicles but for a wider range of vehicles.

Additionally, synthetic fuels offer a "business as usual" aspect that appeals to those who are hesitant to switch to electric vehicles due to the associated lifestyle changes, such as the need for new types of cars, home charging, and more frequent recharging stops on long journeys. Synthetic fuels also have the advantage of being a drop-in replacement for current fossil fuels, meaning that existing cars can use them without any modifications.

However, it is important to note that the process of creating synthetic fuels is currently expensive and requires a significant amount of energy. Additionally, the benefits of synthetic fuels need to be weighed against the cost increases associated with their production. While synthetic fuels may not be the main solution for decarbonizing cars, they could play a role in specific sectors such as aviation.

Synthetic fuels can reduce air pollution

The use of synthetic fuels is a highly debated topic, with some arguing that they can be a solution to climate change and air pollution, while others claim they are not a perfect solution. Here are some reasons why synthetic fuels can reduce air pollution:

Reduction in Particle Emissions

Synthetic fuels have been shown to significantly reduce particle emissions. Tests conducted by Transport & Environment (T&E) on different e-petrol blends in a Mercedes A-Class car revealed a substantial decrease in particle emissions. The number of particle emissions larger than 10 nm decreased by 97% in lab tests and 81-86% in on-road tests compared to fossil fuels. While this doesn't eliminate particle pollution entirely, it is a notable improvement.

Decrease in Hydrocarbon Emissions

The same T&E tests also showed a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions, which are harmful chemical compounds made of hydrogen and carbon. There was a decrease of 23-40% in hydrocarbon emissions during the lab tests, although no difference was observed in the on-road tests due to low emissions for all fuels.

Lower Toxic Aldehyde Emissions

Synthetic fuels can also reduce emissions of dangerous aldehydes, such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde. These emissions decreased with the use of e-fuels, particularly when the engine was first switched on, which often occurs in towns and cities.

Improved Fuel Energy Densities

Synthetic fuels can provide improved fuel energy densities compared to traditional fossil fuels. This means that engines using synthetic fuels may be more efficient and require less fuel to operate, potentially reducing overall emissions.

Multiplicity of Fuel Sources

Synthetic fuels can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including coal, natural gas, biomass, and even industrial and municipal waste. This multiplicity of fuel sources can reduce dependence on fuel-exporting countries and improve energy security.

Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure

One of the advantages of synthetic fuels is their compatibility with existing refueling infrastructure. They can be used with just a change of pump, unlike hydrogen, which requires a completely different system. This makes the transition to synthetic fuels more feasible and less disruptive.

However, it is important to note that synthetic fuels are not a silver bullet solution. They still release toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxide when burned. Additionally, the manufacturing process for synthetic fuels is complex, costly, and energy-intensive, which can place a strain on the global energy grid. Nevertheless, synthetic fuels present a potential pathway to reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change, especially in sectors where electrification may be more challenging, such as aviation.

Frequently asked questions