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 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Mass Balancing Approach is a method for certifying and tracking sustainable materials that are mixed with conventional raw materials in production processes. This approach makes it possible to track how much of a particular raw material - such as bio-based or recycled materials - is incorporated into the final product in a production facility without physically separating these raw materials from the rest of the production. The mass balance approach is often used in the plastics, chemical and energy industries to promote the integration of sustainable raw materials and transparently show their share along the supply chain.
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Where doe e-Fuels come from?
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.
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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.
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Power-to-liquid (PtL) is a process in which electricity generated from renewable sources is used to produce hydrogen by means of electrolysis.
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Methanol is mainly produced through methanol synthesis, in which carbon monoxide and hydrogen react at high temperatures and pressures.
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Hydrogen and e-fuels are both capable of enabling CO₂-neutral mobility.
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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.
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The production of e-fuels involves the conversion of renewable electricity into liquid fuels through electrolysis and chemical reactions with CO2.
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The Mass Balancing Approach is a method for certifying and tracking sustainable materials that are mixed with conventional raw materials in production processes. This approach makes it possible to track how much of a particular raw material - such as bio-based or recycled materials - is incorporated into the final product in a production facility without physically separating these raw materials from the rest of the production. The mass balance approach is often used in the plastics, chemical and energy industries to promote the integration of sustainable raw materials and transparently show their share along the supply chain.
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Where are e-fuels being used?
Both technologies offer unique advantages and challenges and are shaping the energy landscape in different ways.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Alternative fuels for gasoline engines are synthetic or artificial fuels that can serve as a substitute for conventional gasoline.
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Alternative fuels for ships include a range of fuels that can be used as a substitute for conventional heavy fuel oil.
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Alternative fuels for aircraft include synthetic fuels produced from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
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Aviation fuel, also known as kerosene, is the special fuel used to refuel aircraft. Aviation fuels are formulated to withstand the extreme demands of flight operations - high energy efficiency, stable combustion and temperature resistance at extreme altitudes and speeds. The most common type of aviation fuel is Jet A-1, which is used in turbine and jet engines.
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Aviation fuel, also known as kerosene, is the special fuel used to refuel aircraft. Aviation fuels are formulated to withstand the extreme demands of flight operations - high energy efficiency, stable combustion and temperature resistance at extreme altitudes and speeds. The most common type of aviation fuel is Jet A-1, which is used in turbine and jet engines.
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What e-Fuels really are?
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.
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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.
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Synthetic kerosene is a fuel produced from hydrocarbons derived from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
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Synthetic gasoline is a fuel made from hydrocarbons produced from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
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Synthetic fuel is a combustible or fuel made from carbon and hydrogen molecules that are brought together in a chemical process.
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Synthetic diesel is a type of fuel that consists of synthetically produced hydrocarbons and is an alternative to conventional diesel.
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Alternative fuels are fuels that can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and kerosene.
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E-fuels, also known as synthetic fuels, are liquid fuels produced from renewable energy sources such as wind or solar energy.
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Ultra-low carbon fuels (ULCFs) are fuels that produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions over their entire life cycle compared to conventional fossil fuels. These fuels are derived from renewable resources or sustainable processes and are often seen as a key solution to reducing CO₂ emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as transportation, aviation and shipping.
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RFNBO stands for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin. RFNBOs are climate-friendly energy sources that are produced without the use of fossil or biological raw materials. RFNBOs are based on renewable energy sources, in particular green hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is captured from the air or industrial processes. They are often seen as a promising solution for decarbonizing industry and the transport sector, especially in areas that are difficult to electrify directly.
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method for systematically evaluating the environmental impact of a product, process or service throughout its entire life cycle. The analysis covers all phases - from raw material extraction, production and use through to disposal or recycling. The aim of the LCA is to understand the ecological footprint of a product and to identify optimization potential for a more sustainable design.
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Are e-fuels compatible?
DIN EN 15940 is a specification for kerosene fuels, including diesel, produced from biomass.
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ASTM D1566 is an internationally recognized standard that relates to the testing and specification of Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ) fuels.
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