The decision to abandon combustion engines in favor of electrification has been met with both praise and skepticism. While electric cars are seen as a solution to global warming, some argue that the move may have come too early, overlooking the potential of synthetic fuels.
Synthetic fuel chemistry has been understood for almost as long as cars have been around, and it has the potential to be a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels. The world’s biggest oil producers may stand to lose the most from the shift towards electric vehicles, as alternatives could render their products obsolete.
However, these oil producers are in a unique position to invest in “drop-in” carbon-neutral synthetic fuels. These fuels can be dispensed at existing filling stations without the need for a new infrastructure. This presents an opportunity for oil companies to adapt and continue their dominance in the energy market.
Experts have long advocated for the use of sustainable, carbon-neutral synthetic fuels as the fastest way to reduce CO2 emissions from transportation. Unlike petrol blended with ethanol, these “drop-in” fuels have little to no downside and can be used by existing vehicles without modification. If vehicles worldwide could fill up with fuel synthesized from organic materials, the atmospheric CO2 derived from transport fuel would significantly decrease.
Several manufacturers have already started exploring the use of synthetic fuels. The Volkswagen Group has been working on synthetic fuel development for decades, and Porsche and Mazda have recently joined the race. Mazda, in particular, is using a synthetic fuel called Susteo, which is derived from used cooking oil and microalgae. This fuel is CO2-neutral and sustainable, as it does not compete with food production.
While there is still a long way to go before synthetic fuels can replace fossil fuels on a global scale, the potential is promising. Road transport consumes around 1.3 billion gallons of petrol and diesel per day globally, but vegetable oil production already reaches around 140 billion gallons. This suggests that producing enough guilt-free liquid fuel from algae to power existing combustion engines may not be as far-fetched as it seems.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology are also working on autonomous vehicle technology, specifically focusing on how these vehicles perceive their surroundings. This research aims to improve the effectiveness of cameras on autonomous cars, allowing them to navigate roads more efficiently. While this technology is still in its early stages, it shows that advancements are being made to support the future of transportation.
In conclusion, while the decision to abandon combustion engines for electric vehicles may have its benefits, the potential of synthetic fuels should not be overlooked. Oil producers have the opportunity to invest in carbon-neutral fuels, ensuring their relevance in a changing energy landscape. Manufacturers like Porsche and Mazda are already exploring the use of synthetic fuels, demonstrating their potential in reducing CO2 emissions. Although there are challenges to overcome, such as scalability and infrastructure, it is clear that synthetic fuels could play a significant role in the future of transportation.
