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?
Conversion of synthesis gas into e-fuels and waxes
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.
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Process for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen
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.
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Release of hydrogen and carbon in a sustainable process
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
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Adding hydrogen to a compound that is essential for converting CO₂ into e-fuels.
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.
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Derived from naturally occurring and renewable sources that are not depleted during use
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.
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A significant mixture of gases
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.
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Where doe e-Fuels come from?
Enabling sustainable fuel production
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.
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Paving the way to sustainable energy
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.
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Where do e-fuels come from?
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.
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How are e-fuels produced?
Methanol production
Methanol is mainly produced through methanol synthesis, in which carbon monoxide and hydrogen react at high temperatures and pressures.
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Two solutions
E-fuels vs. hydrogen
Hydrogen and e-fuels are both capable of enabling CO₂-neutral mobility.
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A research initiative
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.
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How are e-fuels produced?
Production of e-fuels
Die Herstellung von E-Fuels beinhaltet die Umwandlung von erneuerbarem Strom in flüssige Brennstoffe durch Elektrolyse und chemische Reaktionen mit CO₂.
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Where are e-fuels being used?
Two paths to sustainable energy
E-fuels vs. batteries
Both technologies offer unique advantages and challenges and are shaping the energy landscape in different ways.
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On the way to a sustainable future
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.
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The practice of blending synthetic fuels with conventional fossil fuels
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.
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Where are e-fuels used?
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.
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Synthetic fuels as a replacement for gasoline
Alternative fuels car
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 as a replacement for heavy fuel oil
Alternative fuels Ship
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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Synthetic fuels as a substitute for fossil kerosene
Alternative fuels Airplane
Alternative fuels for aircraft include synthetic fuels produced from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
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What e-Fuels really are?
A trifecta of sustainability
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.
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Measuring the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions
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.
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Where are e-fuels used?
Synthetic kerosene
Synthetic kerosene is a fuel produced from hydrocarbons derived from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
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Where are e-fuels used?
Synthetic gasoline
Synthetic gasoline is a fuel made from hydrocarbons produced from renewable resources or carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
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What are e-fuels?
Synthetic fuel
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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What are e-fuels?
Synthetic diesel
Synthetic diesel is a type of fuel that consists of synthetically produced hydrocarbons and is an alternative to conventional diesel.
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Replacement for fossil fuels
Alternative fuels
Alternative fuels are fuels that can be used as a substitute for fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and kerosene.
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Synthetic fuels
E-Fuels
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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Are e-fuels compatible?
Specification for kerosene fuels
DIN EN 15940
DIN EN 15940 is a specification for kerosene fuels, including diesel, produced from biomass.
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Standard Practice for Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ) Fuels
ASTM D7566
ASTM D7566 is an internationally recognized standard that relates to the testing and specification of Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ) fuels.
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