Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Series to Run on Near Carbon-Neutral Fuel
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series is set to make a groundbreaking change this year by running on fuel that Porsche describes as “near carbon-neutral.” This fully synthetic renewable fuel is produced at the Haru Oni plant in Chile and is created by synthesizing renewable hydrogen made from electrolysis using wind-generated electricity. The CO2 used to make the e-fuel comes from bio sources, with plans to eventually transition to direct air capture (DAC) for a more sustainable process.
The switch to this renewable fuel represents a significant step forward for the Supercup series, which has been using a second-generation, bio-based, partially synthetic fuel since 2021. Unlike production Porsches, the race cars’ Engine Control Units (ECUs) are manually mapped, and Porsche has specifically programmed them to suit the renewable fuel. No other mechanical modifications were necessary for the Supercup cars.
Understanding the Process Behind the Fuel
The Haru Oni plant was strategically chosen due to its consistent wind conditions throughout the year, allowing for maximum electricity generation. The plant’s 3.4MW turbine can operate at full load for an average of 270 days per year, compared to only 66 days for a similar turbine in Germany. The electricity generated is then used to electrolyze water and produce renewable hydrogen.
To create the e-fuel, hydrogen and CO2 are heated at high pressure over a catalyst, resulting in the production of methanol. The raw methanol is distilled to reduce its water content and then fed into a reactor where the carbon atoms are bonded together to form long hydrocarbon chains, which serve as the raw synthetic petrol. After further processing, the final product emerges as 93 Octane petrol, which is then blended with additives to raise its octane rating to a minimum of 98.
The Future of Direct Air Capture (DAC)
While the current e-fuel production process relies on CO2 from bio sources, Porsche is actively working on a DAC project in collaboration with the wider Volkswagen Group and other partners. The goal is to establish the commercial viability of capturing CO2 directly from the air. This project can be implemented anywhere with a source of renewable electricity, making it a promising solution for sustainable fuel production.
Implications for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Series
The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series plays a significant role as part of the support program at eight Formula 1 races this year. It is estimated that the 32 Cup cars will consume approximately 50,000 liters of the renewable fuel throughout the season. In comparison, the Haru Oni plant’s maximum annual output is projected to be 130,000 liters.
Porsche sees e-fuels as a complementary solution to its increasing focus on electric cars. The company aims to have a global production mix of 80% pure-electric cars by 2030, as long as there is demand for them. This transition to near carbon-neutral fuel in the Supercup series demonstrates Porsche’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable alternatives in the automotive industry.
In conclusion, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup series’ adoption of near carbon-neutral fuel showcases the advancements in renewable energy technology within the automotive sector. The use of e-fuel produced from renewable hydrogen and CO2 sources marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in motorsport. With ongoing research and development in DAC technology, the future holds even more promise for sustainable fuel production. Porsche’s commitment to a greener future, alongside its electric vehicle goals, solidifies its position as a leader in environmentally conscious automotive innovation.
