PTG-HEFA Hybrid Refinery as Example of a SynBioPTx Concept—Results of a Feasibility Analysis

Abstract

Limited alternative fuels for a CO2-neutral aviation sector have already been ASTM certified; synthetic paraffinic kerosene from hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA-SPK) is one of these—a sustainable aviation fuel. With the hypothesis to improve the greenhouse gas (GHG) balance of a HEFA plant by realizing the required hydrogen supply via electrolysis—power to gas (PTG)—an exemplary SynBioPTx approach is investigated in a comprehensive feasibility study, which is, regarding this comparatively new approach, a novelty in its extent. About 10 scenarios are analysed by technical, environmental, and economic aspects. Within the alternative scenarios on feedstocks, electricity supply, necessary hydrogen supply, and different main products are analysed. For different plant designs of the hybrid refinery, mass and energy balances are elaborated, along with the results of the technical assessment. As a result of this environmental assessment, the attainment of at least 50% GHG mitigation might be possible. GHG highly depends on the renewability grade of the hydrogen provision as well as on the used feedstock. One important conclusion of this economic assessment is that total fuel production costs of 1295 to 1800 EUR t−1 are much higher than current market prices for jet fuel. The scenario in which hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of internally produced naphtha proves to be the best combination of highly reduced GHG emissions and low HEFA-SPK production costs.

Environmental and Economic Performance of Hybrid Power-to-Liquid and Biomass-to-Liquid Fuel Production in the United States

“…First, although previous analyses have examined electrofuel production pathways, they mostly focus on either fuel costs or life cycle emissions. − Our work quantifies both fuel costs and life cycle emissions in a consistent modeling approach, which is necessary to meaningfully evaluate the trade-offs between these performance characteristics . Second, although previous studies have included GHG emissions estimates for electrofuel production pathways, this is the first analysis to quantify the power grid emissions intensities (EI) for life cycle emissions to achieve parity with diesel, and to compare different electrofuel and hybrid power- and biomass-to-liquid pathways in that regard . These data and comparisons are useful for policy makers seeking to use electrofuels and hybrid PBtL fuels to enable decarbonization.…”

“…21 Second, although previous studies have included GHG emissions estimates for electrofuel production pathways, this is the first analysis to quantify the power grid emissions intensities (EI) for life cycle emissions to achieve parity with diesel, and to compare different electrofuel and hybrid power-and biomassto-liquid pathways in that regard. 22 These data and comparisons are useful for policy makers seeking to use electrofuels and hybrid PBtL fuels to enable decarbonization. Third, to the authors' knowledge at the time of writing, this is the first analysis to simultaneously model fuel production capacity as a function of underlying potentials for renewable power, hydrogen, and biomass feedstock production, at high spatial resolution in the US.…”

Multiblend JET A‐1 in Practice: Results of an R&D Project on Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosenes

“…(aireg), the IATA and Germany's Climate Action Plan 2050, as well as the required energy-related amounts of renewable SAF and their specific greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potentials. According to this, there is a massive demand for SAF with a high GHG mitigation potential compared to fossil jet fuel [1].…”

“…Jet fuel demand of all flights departing in Germany, emissions to be reduced and share of renewable jet fuels required to fulfil targets like those of aireg, IATA, and Germany's climate protection plan[1].…”

Special Issue on Cutting-Edge Technologies for Renewable Energy Production and Storage

“…Energy storage is a key topic for the further deployment of renewable energy production [2]. Besides battery and other types of electrical storage, electrofuels and bioderived fuels may offer suitable alternatives in some specific scenarios [3,4]. This Special Issue welcomed contributions on energy conversion technologies and use, energy storage, technologies integration, e-fuels, and pilot and large-scale applications.…”