e-Fuels, or electricity-based fuels, are lower-carbon fuels created from renewable energy sources. They are “drop-in fuels,” meaning they can be used in today’s existing engines and infrastructure without the need for modifications.
e-Fuels are produced using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower to convert air and water into fuel. First, electricity from renewable energy is used to split the molecule of water into oxygen and hydrogen through a process called electrolysis. Then, the hydrogen is combined with captured carbon dioxide in a process of synthesis. This creates e-Methanol, a type of e-Fuel that can be used in methanol engines in ships or be converted into e-Gasoline for cars or e-SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) for airplanes.
e-Fuels are chemically equivalent to the conventional fuels we use today. This means that they are fully compatible with existing engines and infrastructure, including pipelines that are used to transport liquid fuels.
HIF Global is already producing e-Fuels at its facility HIF Haru Oni, in Chile. The timeline for mass production depends on scaling up infrastructure, securing investments, and ensuring access to abundant renewable energy sources. Current projections estimate that mass production of e-Fuels will begin by 2030. As production ramps up, costs are expected to decrease, making e-Fuels a more accessible and widespread solution for decarbonizing transportation and industries worldwide.
e-Fuels are competitive with traditional fuels in markets that have carbon pricing structures. Large-scale e-Fuel production facilities – located in areas with the world’s best renewable energy resources – can produce e-Fuels at competitive prices. Increased production capacity and increased equipment efficiency as e-Fuels are produced at scale are expected to reduce costs even further.
e-Fuels are chemically equivalent to traditional gasoline, methanol, or jet fuel, meaning they deliver the same energy output as conventional fuel sources.
e-Fuels are created from air and water and do not contain impurities, such as sulfur and other polluting particulates. Unlike fossil fuels, the energy-creating carbon in e-Fuels comes from captured carbon dioxide that is already in our atmosphere, so the carbon intensity of e-Fuels is very low.
As with conventional fuels, e-Fuels are toxic substances that can cause health problems through inhalation or physical contact. We recommend following customary protocols when handling e-Fuels
e-Fuels, biofuels, and electric vehicles are complementary solutions working together to minimize the effects of climate change and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized economy. All these alternatives will play an important role in achieving sustainable mobility and lowering our global emissions.
Today’s existing cars, airplanes, trucks, pipelines, and fueling stations can use e-Fuels without any modifications. Ships must be equipped with methanol engines to utilize e-Fuels effectively.
The primary by-product from producing e-Fuels is pure oxygen, which may be released into the atmosphere. There may be small amounts of waste and contaminants removed from water treatment, which will be permitted and disposed of properly.
e-Fuels are chemically equivalent to existing liquid fuel products, so they can be transported via existing methods (such as pipelines, ships, or trucks) without requiring modifications of any kind.
Yes, the production of e-Fuels is influenced by the availability of renewable energy sources like wind and sunlight, since they are used to power the electrolysis process that converts water into hydrogen, a key component of e-Fuels. However, because e-Fuels are liquid and stable, they provide a solution to the challenges posed by the intermittent and geographically variable nature of renewable energy. The energy generated from wind or solar can be stored as liquid e-Fuels, making them easier to transport over long distances to areas where demand exists, using existing infrastructure. Furthermore, in regions with access to a well-connected power grid, fluctuations in renewable energy production can be balanced through grid integration, which can increase the efficiency and competitiveness of e-Fuel production.
There are more than 1.5 billion vehicles in use today that require gasoline – or a gasoline substitute like e-Gasoline. In addition, shipping and aviation are very hard to electrify sectors in the short and medium term, so they will still require fuel sources like e-Methanol or e-SAF.
e-SAF (electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a type of synthetic aviation fuel that offers significant potential to lower the emissions of the aviation industry. e-SAF is produced through the combination of green hydrogen and captured CO2. These components are combined to create synthetic gasoline, which is then converted into liquid fuel, which can be used in existing aircraft engines without modifications. It has the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel. The aviation industry sees e-SAF as a promising pathway for achieving its decarbonization goals, particularly for long-haul flights where alternative propulsion systems face significant technical challenges.
Vehicles with internal combustion engines running on e-Fuels release the same amount of CO2 into the atmosphere as was previously recycled to produce the e-Fuels. This way, on a global and long-term scale, e-Fuels can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
e-Fuels are considered low-carbon because they are made from renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide (CO2). However, there may be some emissions resulting from raw materials supplies and product shipments that need to be included when considering the carbon footprint of e-Fuels' lifecycle. Our products and processes are reviewed by specialist life cycle assessment (LCA) consultants to determine their carbon intensity (CI). Independent certification against recognized standards, such as ISCC EU RFNBO, provides additional verification of sustainability, emissions and traceability requirements. HIF Haru Oni is ISCC EU RFNBO certified.
e-Fuels, particularly e-SAF, can play an important role in aviation’s transition to lower-carbon fuels. They can significantly reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional jet fuel and can be used in existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure, enabling decarbonization without requiring major fleet changes. e-SAF also supports the growing global requirements and targets for sustainable aviation fuels, including those established by the EU and ICAO.
e-Fuels offer significant potential for reducing emissions in maritime transport. e-Diesel and e-LNG are fully compatible with existing ship engines and infrastructure, allowing for immediate use without modifications. e-Methanol can reduce lifecycle GHG emissions by about 20% compared to oil-based fuels when produced with hydrogen and 100% renewable power. e-Fuels not only reduce CO2 emissions but also help in reducing other pollutants.