The role of synthetic fuels in an integrated energy system

The manufactures of internal combustion engines face currently a lot of challenges. Among these are the required drastic emission reductions of carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as harmful substances the most prominent. As a consequence of these harsh market conditions solutions that could cope with this framework are urgently needed. In this context the state of the art of synthetic fuels as an essential part of the energy system is discussed and how they could offer solutions.In addition to the technology developments at Fraunhofer ISE providing innovative solutions in clean mobility such as the CatVap® technology and more efficient synthesis pathways to oxymethylene dimethyl ether (OME) the energy system analysis is one important research topic. One goal of these energy systems simulations is to find the cost optimized pathway of the transformation process. The simulation results are used as a basis for investigations to optimize national / regional energy systems with consideration of all energy carriers and consumption sectors taken into account the CO2 reduction goals. The results clearly show that hydrogen will play a significant role and water electrolysis will be the key technology in order to reduce the transformation costs, to stabilize the grid and to connect the renewable energy power sector with the other sectors (transport, industry, buildings) for defossilization. This green hydrogen can be further converted together with CO2 via Power to X (PtX) concepts into synthetic fuels such as methanol, dimethyl ether (DME) and OME offering both CO2 reductions and reduction of pollutants. PtX will be installed globally in those regions of the world with favourable site conditions for renewable energies (PV, wind). As a consequence this will result in the establishment of a global trading system for renewable energy.