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E-Fuels: A Comprehensive Review of the Most Promising Technological Alternatives towards an Energy Transition

Author

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  • Sonia Dell’Aversano

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Monteluco di Roio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Carlo Villante

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Monteluco di Roio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Katia Gallucci

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Monteluco di Roio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Giuseppina Vanga

    (ENEA—Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Rome, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Andrea Di Giuliano

    (Department of Industrial and Information Engineering and Economics, University of L’Aquila, Monteluco di Roio, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

E-fuels represent a crucial technology for transitioning to fossil-free energy systems, driven by the need to eliminate dependence on fossil fuels, which are major environmental pollutants. This study investigates the production of carbon-neutral synthetic fuels, focusing on e-hydrogen (e-H 2 ) generated from water electrolysis using renewable electricity and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) captured from industrial sites or the air (CCUS, DAC). E-H 2 can be converted into various e-fuels (e-methane, e-methanol, e-DME/OME, e-diesel/kerosene/gasoline) or combined with nitrogen to produce e-ammonia. These e-fuels serve as efficient energy carriers that can be stored, transported, and utilized across different energy sectors, including transportation and industry. The first objective is to establish a clear framework encompassing the required feedstocks and production technologies, such as water electrolysis, carbon capture, and nitrogen production techniques, followed by an analysis of e-fuel synthesis technologies. The second objective is to evaluate these technologies’ technological maturity and sustainability, comparing energy conversion efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions with their electric counterparts. The sustainability of e-fuels hinges on using renewable electricity. Challenges and future prospects of an energy system based on e-fuels are discussed, aiming to inform the debate on e-fuels’ role in reducing fossil fuel dependency.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonia Dell’Aversano & Carlo Villante & Katia Gallucci & Giuseppina Vanga & Andrea Di Giuliano, 2024. "E-Fuels: A Comprehensive Review of the Most Promising Technological Alternatives towards an Energy Transition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-43, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:16:p:3995-:d:1454926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Luísa Marques & Maria Vieira & José Condeço & Carlos Henriques & Maria Mateus, 2024. "A Mini-Review on Recent Developments and Improvements in CO 2 Catalytic Conversion to Methanol: Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Olaf Dybiński & Łukasz Szabłowski & Aliaksandr Martsinchyk & Arkadiusz Szczęśniak & Jarosław Milewski & Andrzej Grzebielec & Pavel Shuhayeu, 2025. "Overview of the e-Fuels Market, Projects, and the State of the Art of Production Facilities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-34, January.
    3. Armin Razmjoo & Arezoo Ghazanfari & Poul Alberg Østergaard & Mehdi Jahangiri & Andreas Sumper & Sahar Ahmadzadeh & Reza Eslamipoor, 2024. "Moving Toward the Expansion of Energy Storage Systems in Renewable Energy Systems—A Techno-Institutional Investigation with Artificial Intelligence Consideration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-25, November.

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