Reduction of maritime GHG emissions and the potential role of E-fuels

Elizabeth Lindstad,Gunnar M Gamlem,Anders Valland,Benjamin Lagemann,Agathe Rialland

doi:10.1016/j.trd.2021.103075

Elizabeth Lindstad, Gunnar M Gamlem + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2021.103075

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Abstract

• Zero carbon fuels are often seen as the best way to reduce maritime GHG emissions. • The zero carbon fuels in focus for this study are E-fuels and Synthetic E-fuels. • The fuels are evaluated on cost, energy use and GHG emissions Well-to-Wake. • E-fuels will double or triple the maritime sector's energy consumption Well-to-Wake. • A narrow, maritime focus is counter-productive to a global decarbonization strategy. Maritime transport accounts for around 3% of global anthropogenic Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Well-to-Wake) and these emissions must be reduced with at least 50% in absolute values by 2050, to contribute to the ambitions of the Paris agreement (2015). Zero carbon fuels made from renewable sources (hydro, wind or solar) are by many seen as the most promising option to deliver the desired GHG reductions. For the maritime sector, these fuels come in two forms: First as E-Hydrogen or E-Ammonia; Second as Hydrocarbon E-fuels in the form of E-Diesel, E-LNG, or E-Methanol. We evaluate emissions, energy use and cost for E-fuels and find that the most robust path to these fuels is through dual-fuel engines and systems to ensure flexibility in fuel selection, to prepare for growing supplies and lower risks. The GHG reduction potential of E-fuels depends entirely on abundant renewable electricity.

Highlights

The main source of ships Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is the exhaust gas from ships combustion engines which is estimated to be around one billion-ton of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) annually (Buhaug et al, 2009; Smith et al, 2015; Faber et al, 2020)
This study investigates alternative E-fuels compared to the conventional fossil fuels, where the purpose of this chapter is: First to introduce the fuels and their associated maritime engine technologies; Second to establish the energy prices for all the fuels assessed; Third to identify ship-specific additional costs of using other fuels than the standard Marine Gas Oil (MGO) or low sulphur bunker oil (VLSFO)
Fuels with zero or lower GHG emissions are by many perceived to be the most promising measure to reduce maritime GHG emissions by at least 50% in 2050 compared to 2008

Summary

Introduction

The main source of ships Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is the exhaust gas from ships combustion engines which is estimated to be around one billion-ton of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) annually (Buhaug et al, 2009; Smith et al, 2015; Faber et al, 2020). Such estimates cover what happens on the ship only (Thinkstep, 2019), i.e., the Tank-to-Wake (TTW) emissions.

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