Glossary

With the following comprehensive and easy-to-understand explanations, you can easily find definitions for specific technical terms that are used in our content but may not be generally known.

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How are e-Fuels produced?

Fischer-Tropsch-Synthesis

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is a chemical process in which a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂), commonly referred to as synthesis gas, is converted into various hydrocarbon compounds of different chain lengths. Components that are liquid at room temperature can be used as fuels, while solid components can be used as waxes.

Electrolyzer

An electrolyser is a device or system that uses the process of electrolysis to split water (H₂O) into its components hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using an electric current.

Methane pyrolysis

Methane pyrolysis is a chemical process in which methane (CH4), the main component of natural gas, is broken down into its components hydrogen (H₂) and solid carbon at high temperatures

Hydrogenation

Hydrogenation is a chemical process in which hydrogen molecules (H₂) are added to unsaturated compounds, usually in the presence of a catalyst, to produce saturated compounds.

Renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy that is obtained from naturally occurring and renewable sources that are not depleted during use. These sources include sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, geothermal heat and biomass.

Synthesis gas

Synthesis gas is an important gas mixture that consists mainly of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂) and, as the name suggests, is used for syntheses. It is traditionally produced using various processes in which carbon-containing starting materials such as fossil fuels, biomass or waste materials are converted into a gas mixture. Synthesis gas is produced from H₂ and CO₂ in connection with power-to-liquid or for the production of e-fuels.

Where doe e-Fuels come from?

Renewable raw materials

The term "renewable raw materials" in the context of e-fuels (electric fuels or synthetic fuels) refers to sustainable and non-fossil carbon sources that are used as feedstock for the production of synthetic hydrocarbon fuels through a combination with renewable electricity.

Carbon neutrality

The term "carbon neutrality" in the context of e-fuels refers to the fact that the total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions generated during the entire life cycle of the production, use and ultimate consumption of e-fuels are offset by a corresponding amount of CO₂ that is removed from the atmosphere or prevented from being released in order to produce the e-fuels.

Power-to-Liquid

Power-to-liquid (PtL) is a process in which electricity generated from renewable sources is used to produce hydrogen by means of electrolysis.

Methanol production

Methanol is mainly produced through methanol synthesis, in which carbon monoxide and hydrogen react at high temperatures and pressures.

E-fuels vs. hydrogen

Hydrogen and e-fuels are both capable of enabling CO₂-neutral mobility.

reFuel

The BaWü project "reFuels" is a research initiative of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and its partners that focuses on the efficient production and use of regenerative fuels such as e-fuels.

Production of e-fuels

The production of e-fuels involves the conversion of renewable electricity into liquid fuels through electrolysis and chemical reactions with CO2.

Where are e-fuels being used?

E-fuels vs. batteries

Both technologies offer unique advantages and challenges and are shaping the energy landscape in different ways.

Decarbonization

Decarbonization is a complex and compelling process that aims to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere.

E-Fuel blending

E-fuel blending refers to the mixing of synthetic fuels, also known as electric fuels or e-fuels, with conventional fossil fuels in order to reduce the carbon emissions of the overall fuel mixture.

Emissions trading / ETS

Emissions trading (ETS) is a climate policy instrument in which companies receive a limited quota of emission allowances that they can trade with each other.

Alternative fuels car

Alternative fuels for gasoline engines are synthetic or artificial fuels that can serve as a substitute for conventional gasoline.

Alternative fuels Ship

Alternative fuels for ships include a range of fuels that can be used as a substitute for conventional heavy fuel oil.

Alternative fuels Airplane

Alternative fuels for aircraft include synthetic fuels produced from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

What e-Fuels really are?

E-fuel sustainability

E-fuels have emerged as a potential solution for energy storage, for solving the temporal and local difference between renewable energy production and its consumption, and for the seamless continued use of existing means of transportation and logistics infrastructure. In terms of sustainability, e-fuels therefore offer a unique mix of ecological, social and economic benefits.

CO₂ footprint

A carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other related emissions that are directly or indirectly associated with a person, organization, event, product or activity.

Synthetic kerosene

Synthetic kerosene is a fuel produced from hydrocarbons derived from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Synthetic gasoline

Synthetic gasoline is a fuel made from hydrocarbons produced from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Synthetic fuel

Synthetic fuel is a combustible or fuel made from carbon and hydrogen molecules that are brought together in a chemical process.

Synthetic diesel

Synthetic diesel is a type of fuel that consists of synthetically produced hydrocarbons and is an alternative to conventional diesel.

Alternative fuels

Alternative fuels are fuels that can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and kerosene.

E-Fuels

E-fuels, also known as synthetic fuels, are liquid fuels produced from renewable energy sources such as wind or solar energy.

Are e-fuels compatible?

DIN EN 15940

DIN EN 15940 is a specification for kerosene fuels, including diesel, produced from biomass.

ASTM D1566

ASTM D1566 is an internationally recognized standard that relates to the testing and specification of Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ) fuels.