Smart use of renewable electricity and carbon capture in the transport sector

Abstract

The decarbonization of the transport sector, which accounts for a quarter of global energy use when including its fuel production and consumption, is critical to limit global temperature rise well below 2 degrees. Building on the positive impact of battery-electric solutions on decarbonizing road transport, this study explores the potential expansions of zero-emission solutions to aviation and maritime shipping through the utilization of advanced E-fuels produced with renewable electricity. We analyze whether using renewables to produce E-fuels delivers carbon reductions in a more energy-effective way than Carbon Capture onboard sea-going vessels and Direct Air Carbon Capture at land-based facilities, both combined with permanent storage. Our analysis reveals that Carbon Capture and Storage requires significantly less renewable electricity and hence should be prioritized in shipping and aviation. This will enable renewable electricity to be used within other sectors which will give faster global decarbonization.