WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE FUELS?
The need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources has never been more pressing. We believe the best solution for a cleaner future is to have a range of different sources powering our transport network. That’s where sustainable fuels come in. Sustainable liquid fuels could begin making a difference almost immediately, reducing greenhouse gas by up to 80% if fully replacing their fossil-based equivalent. In response, we have developed a dedicated range of sustainable fuels perfect for classic vehicles. But what exactly are sustainable fuels? How do they differ from traditional fossil fuels, and what promise do they hold for the future of energy?
Discover more about sustainable fuels…
‘Sustainable fuel’ is the collective term used for all types of sustainable fuel, where there are three main categories. Learn about these different fuel types below.
FUELS TYPES EXPLAINED
Biofuels
Made by fermentation of plant-based material, hydrotreatment or esterification of plant-based oils.
• 1st generation: use crops as source of biomass
• 2nd generation: use waste as source of biomass
• 3rd generation: use microorganisms as source of biomass
Synthetic Fuels
The set of hydrocarbon fuels made using CO, CO2 and hydrogen via syngas and Fischer-Tropsch type processes.
• CO/CO2 sourced from industrial processes, biomass or direct air capture
• Hydrogen source is critical
Recycled Carbon Fuels
Recycled carbon fuels (RCFs) are fuels produced from fossil wastes that cannot be avoided, reused or recycled.
Feedstocks include industrial waste gases and the fossil-derived fraction of municipal solid waste (e.g. non-recyclable plastic).
SUSTAIN PRODUCTS
SUSTAIN products are sustainable fuels which are compatible with the existing fleet (and infrastructure!) of internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles or other ICE applications. These can immediately help to reduce their impact on global emissions.
What makes our products sustainable? They need to contain a sustainable component1 or reduce GHG emissions2 – both by at least 30%. This threshold qualification will be reviewed and reset periodically as technology evolves.
1 A sustainable component manufactured using bio-feedstocks and/or carbon capture technology.
2 The use of EU RED III fossil fuel with a comparison factor of 94g CO2eq/MJ.
OUR PROCESS
Rooted in cutting-edge science and eco-conscious practices, turns natural resources into energy that powers your journey, contributing towards a cleaner future.
Watch our video that outlines the process of extracting the CO2 and converting the waste agriculture into sustainable biofuels.
Your sustainable fuel questions, answered.
What are sustainable fuels?
Sustainable fuels is the collective term for all types of sustainable fuel. Also known as renewable fuels or green fuels, sustainable fuels are energy sources derived from renewable resources that have a lower environmental impact than conventional fuels.
What makes a fuel ‘sustainable’?
A fuel is considered “sustainable” if it effectively recycles the carbon while meeting certain criteria that collectively ensure it has a minimal or positive impact on the environment, society, and economy over its entire lifecycle.
How do sustainable fuels differ from fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are derived from organic matter formed over millions of years which are extracted and causes new CO2 to be released and introduced into the atmosphere when burned. Whereas for sustainable fuels they are derived from renewable sources like plants, animal waste, or water.
Sustainable fuels are replenishable over a short period, whereas fossil fuels are non-renewable and deplete over time. Meaning the production and use of sustainable fuels are usually less harmful to the environment compared to extracting and burning fossil fuels and not introducing any extra carbon into the atmosphere.
How can sustainable fuels contribute to energy security?
By reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels, sustainable fuel options can help ensure a more stable and predictable energy supply with the greater diversity of options. This presents numerous opportunities for economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability.
It makes sense that we employ a suite of effective solutions, to tackle these issues as quickly as possible. Imposing a single solution policy suppresses innovation that might find better or complementary ones.
Can waste products be converted into sustainable fuel?
Absolutely. Waste products like used vegetable oil, municipal waste, agricultural residue, and even plastics can be converted into biofuels or other forms of sustainable energy.
What distinguishes ‘sustainable’ fuels from ‘renewable’ fuels?
While both terms emphasise environmental responsibility, ‘renewable’ specifically refers to fuels sourced from resources that can be naturally replenished, whereas “sustainable” encompasses broader considerations, taking into account the entire lifecycle of the fuel, as well as economic and social factors.
A renewable fuel might not be sustainable if its production or use causes significant environmental damage or social issues.
What are the advantages of sustainable fuels?
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less reliance on non-renewable resources, potential for local economic development, and decreased pollution are some benefits of sustainable fuels.
