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Synthetic Fuels


A synthetic fuel generally refers to a liquid fuel obtained from a specific feedstock, most commonly either natural gas, coal, or a biomass. As a result, various synthetic fuels get their name from this feedstock. Their low sulfur content qualifies them as ULSDs, and the most common method of producing synthetic fuels is the Fischer-Tropsch process. When it is used, the product is sometimes called Fischer-Tropsch diesel.


Gas to liquids (GTL): The resulting non-renewable fuel when natural gas, methane-rich gases or another gaseous hydrocarbon is refined into liquid.

In the case of natural gas, remember that it is a by-product of oil refining. If you have ever driven by an oil refinery you have seen the flames burning at the tops of stacks. That is natural gas, the refinery “flares” it, meaning they burn it, releasing pollutants into the atmosphere. GTL makes good use of the gas.

Coal to liquids (CTL): The resulting non-renewable fuel (it can be gasoline, diesel, methanol) when coal is converted to a liquid.

Biomass to liquids (BTL): The resulting renewable fuel when biomass is converted to a liquid. BTLs are produced utilizing either conversion, via the Fischer-Tropsch process, or through anaerobic decomposition.

CO₂ Emissions

YES
• Although GTL does not reduce carbon dioxide emissions by much, the reduction is significantly better than CTL fuels.
• BTL carbon dioxide emissions are the lowest among synthetic fuels and substantially lower than normal diesel because combustion only releases the carbon dioxide captured within the original biomass.


Fuel Blends

YES
Synthetic fuels can be blended with gas or diesel at any ratio, at the tank.


Infrastructure

In place
Synthetic fuels could utilize every aspect of the existing gas/diesel infrastructure, from pipelines to fuel stations to the tanks on current cars.


Advantage

• Synthetics fuels can be used by existing gas and diesel vehicles without engine modifications;
• Generally speaking, they offer lower nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide emissions than their conventional counterparts,


Disadvantages

• Although emissions are indeed lower, they’re still emissions, especially when compared with zero emission vehicles.
• The goal of alternative fuels is to end reliance on fossil fuels, something which (with the exception of BTL) synthetic fuels do not accomplish.


The Future …

… of synthetic fuels is probably not as a future fuel per se, but as a transition fuel, from current gas/diesel to the likes of hydrogen and pure electrical power. in this regard they may prove their value, but it’s hard to expect anything beyond that.


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