INTRODUCTION

Europe’s challenge is to meet future mobility needs while reducing the environmental impacts of vehicle use and delivering the lowest possible emissions cost-effectively. Alternatives fuels, including synthetic fuels, represent a critical step on the path to a European future of sustainable mobility.

 

Synthetic Fuels are a new generation of near zero sulphur and aromatics, transport fuels made with the Fischer Tropsch process from natural gas (GTL) or biomass (BTL), or through hydrotreatment process from vegetable oils or animal fats (HVO). GTL and HVO are the most commercially advanced fuels and they offer a practical alternative fuel today. A number of plants are being built or planned and product availability is increasing. BTL needs further investment for development but has the potential to use sustainable biomass resources in Europe. Greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fuels derived from natural gas are comparable with transport fuels made from crude oil, while those produced from biomass can contribute to greenhouse gas reductions of up to 90% (80% for HVO).

 

As synthetic fuels can be used neat or blended in existing diesel engines, distribution and refuelling infrastructure, they are one of the most cost effective solutions for reducing petroleum dependency. Synthetic fuels can provide significant local air quality improvement by reducing tailpipe emissions (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons).

 

Much progress has been made in the refinement and optimisation of modern engines and fuels to deliver both improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Car manufacturers and injection system suppliers are working together with the fuel suppliers to make a new generation of engines, with further improvements in engine efficiency and reduced exhaust emissions using synthetic fuel. The development and use of synthetic fuels can also have a positive impact on European competitiveness and employment.