Green hydrogen and downstream synthesis products – electricity-based fuels for the transportation sector

Electricity-based fuels are a missing link in an energy system between the electricity sector and the transportation sector. The electricity sector worldwide is undergoing a remarkable change. Since 2012, new additions in renewables overtook additions in fossil and nuclear power generation capacities1. In 2015, global investment in new renewable power capacity, at USD 265.8 bn, was more than double the USD 130 bn allocated to new coal and natural gas fired power plants2. Renewables outpaced fossil fuels regarding capacity additions and investments. Due to the increasing commitment to carbon emission reduction, climate change mitigation is now a worldwide target. The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016 after countries responsible for an estimated 55 % of the total global greenhouse gas emissions (including China, the USA and the European Union) have ratified it. Political measures that reduce emissions (e.g. subsidies and tax reduction for technologies, bans for other technologies, CO₂ pricing) will probably increase in the most important markets. There will be a further clear trend towards renewable power generation technologies, and solar photovoltaic and wind generation will dominate the market for new capacity additions.