Strong partners. One goal.

eFuels, short for "electricity-based fuels," are synthetic fuels produced using electricity from renewable energy sources, hydrogen, and CO₂. The CO₂ is sourced either from the air or from industrial processes. Depending on the application, eFuels can be used in existing internal combustion engines.

Unlike fossil fuels, which release carbon from fossil sources when used, the production of eFuels is based on CO₂ that was previously captured from the air or industrial processes. The actual greenhouse gas balance depends on factors such as the origin of the electricity used, the production methods, and the transport and distribution steps.

eFuels are produced using the so-called Power-to-Liquid (PtL) process. In this process, electricity from renewable energy sources is first used to split water into hydrogen via electrolysis. This hydrogen is then combined with CO₂—either via the Fischer-Tropsch process or methanol synthesis—to create synthetic fuels. The greenhouse gas balance of the production process depends, among other things, on the origin of the electricity used and the specific process steps involved.

When fossil fuels are burned, they release CO₂ that has been sequestered underground for millions of years. This release is referred to as "new" CO₂ emissions, as this carbon was not previously part of the atmospheric carbon cycle.

In contrast, eFuels only release the CO₂ that was captured from the atmosphere during their production. As a result, their use does not generate additional CO₂ emissions, provided the entire production process is powered by renewable energy.

CO₂ emissions: Fossil and synthetic fuels release similar amounts of CO₂ when burned. The difference, however, lies in the source of the CO₂: Fossil fuels introduce new CO₂ into the atmosphere, whereas eFuels utilize CO₂ that is already present.

New CO₂ emissions: This refers to the additional CO₂ released by human activity. With fossil fuels, 100% of CO₂ emissions come from fossil sources. With eFuels, the CO₂ released during combustion is previously captured from the atmosphere or exhaust gases, which can keep net CO₂ emissions neutral, provided renewable energy is used. Transport and distribution processes must also be included in the CO₂ balance here.  

If eFuels are produced using an electricity mix that includes fossil energy sources, this affects the greenhouse gas balance of the production process. The origin of the electricity used is therefore a key factor in assessing the greenhouse gas balance of eFuels. In addition to the power supply, other factors such as production methods and transport and distribution processes can also be considered.

Electrical energy is required for the production of eFuels. Consequently, locations with high availability of wind or solar energy are considered as potential production sites. The evaluation of such projects can include various factors, such as energy supply, infrastructure, as well as transport and process chains.

Transport and distribution are essential factors in assessing the greenhouse gas balance of eFuels. The emissions generated during these stages can be included in the overall process evaluation. Therefore, in addition to production, transport and distribution routes are also taken into account when evaluating eFuel projects.

The production of eFuels utilizes carbon sources from the air or industrial processes. The greenhouse gas balance of the overall process depends on factors such as the origin of the electricity used, the production methods, and other elements along the process chain.