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Scenario-Based Carbon Footprint of a Synthetic Liquid Fuel Vehicle

Author

Listed:
  • Gakuto Yamada

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka, Suita 565-0871, Japan)

  • Hidenori Murata

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka, Suita 565-0871, Japan)

  • Hideki Kobayashi

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka, Suita 565-0871, Japan)

Abstract

The mitigation of climate change impacts from the automotive sector is important for sustainable development, and for that purpose, synthetic liquid fuel vehicles (SLF-Vs) are being considered as a potential clean option alongside electric vehicles (EVs). However, the energy-intensive production of synthetic liquid fuels (SLFs) requires a thorough life-cycle analysis, as CO 2 emissions vary significantly depending on the power sources and feedstock production technologies. This study evaluates the life-cycle CO 2 emissions of SLF-Vs in Japan through long-term multiple scenarios up to 2050 and compares them with those of gasoline vehicles (GVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The results reveal that, in 2020, SLF-Vs’ life-cycle CO 2 emissions were more than 2.9 times higher than those of GVs. By 2050, SLF-Vs’ emissions could only decrease to BEV-like levels if Japan achieves significant decarbonization of its power grid. Even if hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis in Australia, where renewable energy is abundant, and then imported, emissions remain high if Japan’s power grid remains insufficiently decarbonized. This highlights the critical importance of expanding domestic decarbonized power sources, particularly renewable energy, to reduce the life-cycle CO 2 emissions of SLF-Vs in Japan.

Suggested Citation

  • Gakuto Yamada & Hidenori Murata & Hideki Kobayashi, 2025. "Scenario-Based Carbon Footprint of a Synthetic Liquid Fuel Vehicle," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7500-:d:1727916
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Sandra Richter & Marina Braun-Unkhoff & Samuel Hasselwander & Sofia Haas, 2024. "Evaluation of the Applicability of Synthetic Fuels and Their Life Cycle Analyses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-21, February.
    4. Falko Ueckerdt & Christian Bauer & Alois Dirnaichner & Jordan Everall & Romain Sacchi & Gunnar Luderer, 2021. "Potential and risks of hydrogen-based e-fuels in climate change mitigation," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 11(5), pages 384-393, May.
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