An economic and CO2 assessment of using Fischer-Tropsch diesel in the European maritime sector

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines FischerTropsch Diesel as a source of decarbonisation by use of lignocellulosic residues (wheat, barley, and maize) contributing to the European maritime sector. A techno-economic methodology from the literature and well-to-tank analyses were used to calculate the production, cost, and carbon emissions of the fuel. By exploiting an area of 23.27 million hectares, nine countries could potentially produce 4.9 million tonnes of renewable diesel annually, to be distributed to their respective ports. That amount could eliminate 8.4% of the current CO2 emissions of the sector in Europe, at a cost ranging from 51.20 to 68.69 €/GJ. The study includes a sensitivity analysis of biomass, electricity, interest rate, and sub-product cost variables, as well as blend variation (1–100%) with the current marine fossil fuel used, with a cost of CO2 saved varying between 678.46–1,457.86 €/tCO2.