Porsche and Partners Produce E-Fuel Using Innovative Direct Air Capture Technology
Introduction
Porsche and its partners have successfully begun production of e-fuel at the Haru Oni demonstration plant in Chile. The next step in this sustainable production process is to develop direct air capture technology (DAC) to make the production even more environmentally friendly.
Direct Air Capture Technology
DAC technology captures CO2 from the atmosphere and combines it with green hydrogen produced at the plant using electrolysis powered by wind-generated energy. The hydrogen and CO2 are then synthesized to create methanol, which is further processed to produce the e-fuel. This innovative process ensures that the e-fuel is chemically equivalent to fossil-fuel petrol and can also be formulated as aviation jet fuel.
Benefits of E-Fuel
The e-fuel produced by Porsche and its partners can be used with existing engines, making it a viable option for current vehicles. If large-scale production becomes a reality in the future, the e-fuel can be easily supplied using existing infrastructure and filling station forecourts. This eliminates the need for significant changes to the current fuel distribution system.
CO2 Extraction from the Atmosphere
The Haru Oni plant initially used CO2 produced from biomass, making the process CO2-neutral. However, extracting CO2 from DAC is more straightforward as it eliminates the need for biomass processing. DAC plants can be set up anywhere and can be scaled up to meet the high demand for mass production of green fuel.
The extraction process involves cleaning the air to remove large particles of dirt, passing it through a filter material that adsorbs the CO2, and then heating the material to extract the CO2, leaving only water as a by-product.
Renewable Energy Sources
The entire production process is powered by renewable energy sources. A 3.4GW Siemens Gamesa wind turbine generates electricity for the plant, while a Siemens Energy electrolyser produces pure hydrogen through the splitting of water. The same wind-generated electricity powers the DAC plant, and waste heat from the electrolysis process is captured and used in the CO2 extraction process. This ensures that the production of e-fuel remains sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Circular and Sustainable Process
The finished synthetic fuel contains carbon, which is released when the fuel is used. However, since the carbon is not fossil-based, the process remains circular and sustainable. The CO2 emitted into the atmosphere during usage originally came from the atmosphere, ensuring that the overall carbon footprint is minimized.
Other Applications of DAC Technology
DAC technology has various applications beyond the production of synthetic fuel. It can also be used as a raw material to create non-fossil-based plastics, further contributing to a more sustainable future.
Production Costs and Future Potential
While the production cost of fuel at the pilot plant is estimated to be around £43 per litre, it is expected to decrease significantly at an industrial scale, potentially dropping to as little as 86p per litre. However, this is still twice the wholesale cost of petrol. Despite its potential, the widespread adoption of DAC technology in fuel production may remain limited due to cost considerations.
Conclusion
Porsche and its partners have made significant progress in producing e-fuel using innovative direct air capture technology. This sustainable production process combines CO2 with green hydrogen to create synthetic fuel that can be used with existing engines and distributed through current infrastructure. While there are challenges to overcome, such as production costs, the potential of DAC technology in reducing carbon emissions and creating a more sustainable future is undeniable.