Jim Still-Pepper / istockphoto
The State Agency e‑mobil BW supports the technological development of synthetic fuels in Baden-Württemberg through various initiatives, as well as the scale-up of production capacities.
In addition to battery-electric and fuel cell electric powertrains, synthetic fuels can make a valuable contribution to the defossilization of the transport sector. They are particularly suitable for use in aircrafts and ships, as these sectors, based on current knowledge, cannot be fully converted to electric powertrain. The existing infrastructure for liquid fossil fuels can be repurposed for the transport of synthetic fuels.
Synthetic fuels, also known as PtL (Power-to-Liquid fuels), e-fuels or synfuels, are produced from hydrogen and CO2. It is possible to synthesize gasoline, diesel, and kerosene using this method. These fuels can be used in conventional combustion engines and aircraft turbines just like traditional fossil fuels.
Synthetic fuels should not be confused with sustainable biofuels, which can also be produced from renewable and climate-neutral sources, but are based on biogenic residual materials. In Baden-Württemberg, the term "reFuels" has become established as a collective term for both synthetic and sustainable biofuels.
Synthetic fuels can be produced in a climate-neutral manner. This involves using green hydrogen (generated via electrolysis) and combining it with CO₂ (e.g., captured through Direct air capture) to synthesize products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, or methanol.
Currently, either the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis or methanol synthesis is used for this purpose. Both processes yield products that can be integrated into existing refinery operations.
A major challenge for this technology is the rapid build-up of large-scale production facilities. For the the machinery and plant engineering sector for process and environmental technologies in Baden-Württemberg in particular, the technologies required for the production of synthetic fuels represent a significant market opportunity.
The state agency e-mobil BW is actively involved in this area, for example through the InnoFuels project - a networking and exchange platform focused on electricity-based fuels and advanced biofuels. In addition, the agency participates in further projects across the state, consolidates information, and fosters collaboration.