SYNTHETIC FUELS

Synthetic fuels are liquid fuels produced from sources other than natural crude oil. They are manufactured through chemical processes from various feedstocks, including natural gas, coal, biomass, or carbon dioxide and water. A synthetic fuel can also be classed as a renewable fuel if the hydrogen is produced from a renewable source and any carbon source used is from a renewable or unavoidable carbon stream

The main processes and products of synthetic fuels include:

These synthetic fuels are produced by converting carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons using syngas (synthesis gas) obtained from gasification. Industrial processes like the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) method are typically employed.

• Renewable sources for GtL include syngas from biomass gasification (which can also fall under Biomass-to-Liquid, or BtL), direct air capture, and industrial waste gases.
• Fossil fuel sources for GtL involve natural gas, gasified coal, or recycled carbon fuel.

Biofuels are made from biological materials or biomass, whereas Synthetic fuels can be made from various sources such as, natural gas, coal, biomass, or even carbon dioxide and water. Synthetic fuels are also created through more complex chemical processes like the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis by altering their chemical structure to turn into liquids.

Biofuels are often considered carbon-neutral because the CO₂ they emit when burned is roughly equal to the CO₂ absorbed by the plants during their growth. Synthetic fuels on the other hand can have a varying environmental impact. When produced from fossil resources (like coal or natural gas), they can be carbon-intensive and energy intensive. However, if made using renewable energy sources and carbon capture technologies, they can be much cleaner and sustainable.

Both biofuels and synthetic fuels can play crucial roles in the transition towards more sustainable future, but their effectiveness and sustainability depend on a multitude of different factors, including the sourcing of materials, production methods, and the end-use applications.

The cost of synthetic fuels can vary widely based on production techniques, feedstock prices, and market demand. Historically, synthetic fuels have been more expensive than conventional fuels, but advances in technology and economies of scale can change this dynamic over time.

Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) is a fuel gas that can be produced from fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum coke, or from renewable sources like biomass. Its main component is methane, the same as natural gas found in conventional gas fields.

Synthetic fuels can offer several benefits including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner burning properties than conventional fuels, and the potential to utilize local resources, reducing dependence on foreign fossil-based oil.

Synthetic fuels can act as a bridge by providing cleaner-burning alternatives to traditional fuels while sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy continue to develop and scale.

Biofuels such as SUSTAIN Fuels range also provide a sustainable transport solution for now.

Most synthetic fuels are designed to be drop-in replacements for conventional gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel, meaning they can be used without any modifications to existing engines.

This is just like the SUSTAIN Classic fuel range that uses drop-in biofuels.

Synthetic fuels are typically produced through chemical processes like the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, methanol synthesis, or the direct conversion of methane. The production method often depends on the feedstock being used.

The main processes of synthetic fuels include:

Using processes like the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) these synthetic fuels are produced by converting carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons using syngas (synthesis gas) obtained from gasification.