Upping the Pace!

Excerpt

To ensure the success of the energy and mobility transition, we need to take action on an international scale. Future energy supplies and global mobility solutions must be safe, clean, and affordable. For example, North Africa is one of Europe's most important energy suppliers, but for cost reasons alone it is unlikely that 20 % of Europe's electricity requirements will be met by green energy from the desert by 2050. However, this electricity could be used locally to produce synthetic fuels that could subsequently be imported into Europe relatively cheaply. As a result, a supply of carbon-neutral fuel which produces zero particulate emissions and low levels of nitrogen oxide would be available for the mobility sector. In addition, the renewable electricity generated in Europe could be used primarily to meet stationary energy requirements, which are likely to increase by 30 % worldwide by 2040. A strategy of this kind would make a great deal of sense for physical, supply-related, and economic reasons. The considerable efforts currently being made in China and in the Gulf region to develop e-fuels and hydrogen for use in mobility solutions demonstrate the relevance, the potential, and the importance of a networked approach. The aviation industry's concerted attempt to push for the introduction of e-fuels and its call for an EU directive on synthetic fuels should therefore be warmly welcomed. This is the only way of finally upping the pace of this process. It will also give the oil industry the security to plan ahead and invest in electrolysis technology. …