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Environmental Impact of e-Fuels via the Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) and Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) Route for Use in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Frank Labunski

    (Division Energy, Transport and Climate Policy, Research Unit Energy Policy, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, 42103 Wuppertal, Germany)

  • Birte Schnurr

    (Division Energy, Transport and Climate Policy, Research Unit Energy Policy, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, 42103 Wuppertal, Germany)

  • Julia Pössinger

    (Faculty of Electrical, Information and Media Engineering, University of Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany)

  • Thomas Götz

    (Division Energy, Transport and Climate Policy, Research Unit Energy Policy, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, 42103 Wuppertal, Germany)

Abstract

This paper examines the current and prospective greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of e-fuels produced via electrolysis and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) for the years 2021, 2030, and 2050 for use in Germany. The GHG emissions are determined by a scenario approach as a combination of a literature-based top-down and bottom-up approach. Considered process steps are the provision of feedstocks, electrolysis (via solid oxide co-electrolysis; SOEC), synthesis (via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis; FTS), e-crude refining, eventual transport to, and use in Germany. The results indicate that the current GHG emissions for e-fuel production in the exemplary export countries Saudi Arabia and Chile are above those of conventional fuels. Scenarios for the production in Germany lead to current GHG emissions of 2.78–3.47 kgCO 2 -eq/L e-fuel in 2021 as the reference year and 0.064–0.082 kgCO 2 -eq/L e-fuel in 2050. With a share of 58–96%, according to the respective scenario, the electrolysis is the main determinant of the GHG emissions in the production process. The use of additional renewable energy during the production process in combination with direct air capture (DAC) are the main leverages to reduce GHG emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank Labunski & Birte Schnurr & Julia Pössinger & Thomas Götz, 2024. "Environmental Impact of e-Fuels via the Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) and Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) Route for Use in Germany," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:1078-:d:1344966
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    1. Cinti, Giovanni & Baldinelli, Arianna & Di Michele, Alessandro & Desideri, Umberto, 2016. "Integration of Solid Oxide Electrolyzer and Fischer-Tropsch: A sustainable pathway for synthetic fuel," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 308-320.
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