The term "renewable feedstock" in the context of e-fuels (electrofuels or synthetic fuels) refers to the sustainable and non-fossil carbon sources that are used as feedstock for the production of synthetic hydrocarbon fuels through a combination with renewable electricity. The origin of the carbon source plays a central role in the creation of carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative e-fuels.

Procurement of sustainable carbon

Sustainable carbon does not come from fossil fuels. The following processes can serve as sources of sustainable carbon:

Direct Air Capture (DAC): Carbon dioxide can be captured directly from the ambient air using special technologies, creating a renewable source of carbon.

Biogenic carbon: Carbon dioxide obtained from biogenic sources such as agricultural waste, plant material or organic waste can be used as a feedstock. These sources are part of the natural carbon cycle and do not contribute to the net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Industrial emissions: Carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes can, if captured and reused. In this case, it cannot be considered a renewable raw material. At present, however, it makes sense to reuse this CO2 because the energy required to capture it from the industrial process is lower than directly from the air.

The most important advantages of renewable raw materials

The use of renewable raw materials for the production of e-fuels offers several notable advantages:

Carbon neutrality: Carbon dioxide from renewable raw materials is part of a closed carbon cycle, as the carbon released during the combustion of the fuel is offset by the carbon sequestered during the production of the raw materials. This leads to carbon-neutral fuel production.

Resource efficiency: Carbon sources that are declared as waste and would lead to carbon dioxide emissions if thermally recycled can contribute to resource efficiency and waste avoidance in the e-fuel production process.

Mitigating climate change: By using renewable raw materials and producing carbon-neutral e-fuels, overall emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, are significantly reduced, helping to mitigate climate change.

Compatibility with existing infrastructure: E-fuels produced from renewable raw materials can be used in existing infrastructure and engines, which is an advantage in the transition to sustainable energy systems.

Diverse carbon sources

Using a variety of renewable feedstocks provides flexibility in the production of e-fuels and reduces reliance on a single carbon source.
To summarize, carbon-neutral fuel production plays a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable and climate-resilient energy future.