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Prospects of electrofuels to defossilize transportation in Denmark – A techno-economic and ecological analysis

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  • Albrecht, Friedemann Georg
  • Nguyen, Tuong-Van

Abstract

Achieving the global and European climate targets requires a green transformation of the transport sector. Electrification may become a viable option in light road transportation, but the use of liquid fuels with high energy density will likely prevail in aviation, shipping and heavy-duty mobility. For these applications, electrofuels, produced from electricity and CO2, may be a promising option, especially in countries with high wind and solar energy potentials. In the present case study, the prospects of electrofuels in Denmark are investigated. At first, an in-depth analysis of the available raw material and energy resources was conducted. The design of a first Power-to-Liquid (PtL) plant was then developed and implemented in Aspen Plus® for a selected site in Denmark. The plant is subsequently analyzed in a techno-economic and ecological assessment. The results indicate that the unexploited Danish wind power potential is theoretically sufficient to entirely cover the expected future demand for alternative fuels through electrofuel production. Greenhouse gas reductions of 95% compared to fossil fuels can be achieved if electricity from renewable power sources is used. However, fuel production costs are significantly higher than crude oil market prices, resulting in very high GHG abatement costs compared to other carbon mitigation technologies.

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  • Albrecht, Friedemann Georg & Nguyen, Tuong-Van, 2020. "Prospects of electrofuels to defossilize transportation in Denmark – A techno-economic and ecological analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:192:y:2020:i:c:s0360544219322066
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.116511
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    2. Wolff, Michael & Becker, Tristan & Walther, Grit, 2023. "Long-term design and analysis of renewable fuel supply chains – An integrated approach considering seasonal resource availability," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 304(2), pages 745-762.
    3. Alcázar-García, Désirée & Romeral Martínez, José Luis, 2022. "Model-based design validation and optimization of drive systems in electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(PA).
    4. Korberg, A.D. & Brynolf, S. & Grahn, M. & Skov, I.R., 2021. "Techno-economic assessment of advanced fuels and propulsion systems in future fossil-free ships," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    5. Farajiamiri, Mina & Meyer, Jörn-Christian & Walther, Grit, 2023. "Multi-objective optimization of renewable fuel supply chains regarding cost, land use, and water use," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 349(C).

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