Origin and production

Ultra-low carbon fuels are produced from a variety of sources using different technologies:

Second-generation biofuels: these are derived from residual materials such as agricultural waste, used cooking oils and wastewater. Examples include sustainable biodiesel and bioethanol.

Synthetic fuels: Also known as e-fuels, they are created through synthesis processes such as power-to-liquid technology, where hydrogen (produced with renewable energy) is combined with carbon dioxide from the air or industrial processes to create synthetic fuel.

Advanced hydrogen fuels: These include green hydrogen produced by electrolysis with renewable electricity and ammonia-based fuels.

Areas of application

Ultra-low carbon fuels are particularly attractive for sectors that are currently difficult to electrify:

Aviation: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a type of ULCF, can be used in existing aircraft without major adaptations and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions from aviation.

Shipping: Here, ULCFs such as synthetic diesel alternatives or green ammonia can reduce emissions and at the same time reduce the environmental impact of global shipping.

Road transport: Especially for trucks and long-distance transportation, which today are mainly dependent on diesel, ULCFs offer a low-carbon alternative that contributes to reducing the carbon footprint.

Advantages of ultra-low carbon fuels

Climate protection: ULCFs reduce CO₂ emissions over their entire life cycle and thus make a significant contribution to achieving climate targets.

Use of existing infrastructure: Many ULCFs can be used in existing engines and fuel systems with minimal modifications

Independence from fossil resources: The use of waste materials and renewable energy sources reduces dependence on fossil fuels and strengthens security of supply.

Challenges and Prospects

Costs and scaling: the production of ultra-low carbon fuels is currently costly and still requires significant scaling to become economically competitive.

Political support: Support measures, investments in research and development as well as regulatory incentives are crucial to accelerate the market penetration of ULCFs.

Raw material and energy availability: Production often requires renewable electricity and specific raw materials that are not available in unlimited quantities.