Chemical and biological synthesis–Basis for gaseous and liquid fuels

Abstract

Hydrogen production via electrolysis is followed by chemical or biological synthesis to produce a gaseous or liquid fuel that can be easily transported and applied in the existing fuel infrastructure. Today, chemical synthesis plants are operated on very large scale and under steady-state conditions. The utilization of renewable electricity sources in Power-to-Fuel plants requires smaller and more flexible synthesis concepts. Considering the technical and economical feasibility, the potential fit of the target molecule to today’s fuel infrastructure and the expected societal acceptance, methanol production seems to be the preferred process route.