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 most of 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 recycled 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 demonstration 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 2029. 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 recycled carbon dioxide that is already in our atmosphere, so the carbon intensity of e-Fuels is very low to zero.
As with traditional 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-Fuels. In addition, there are currently no plans to electrify airplanes and other large transportation vehicles; they will still require fuel sources like traditional gasoline or e-Fuels.
e-SAF (electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a type of synthetic aviation fuel that offers significant potential for decarbonizing the aviation industry. e-SAF is produced through the combination of green hydrogen and 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 major 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 process ensures that, on a global and long-term scale, e-Fuels can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
e-Fuels are considered carbon neutral because they are made from renewable energy and recycled 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 carefully reviewed by specialist life cycle analysis consultants to ensure that any relevant emissions are considered in determining the final carbon intensity (CI) score.
e-Fuels, particularly e-SAF, align closely with international goals for sustainable aviation in several ways. e-Fuels offer significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in aviation. e-SAF can be used in existing aircraft engines without modifications, allowing for a gradual transition without requiring immediate fleet overhauls.
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.