Our philosophy
Power-to-X is only one building block in the global energy transition towards a defossilised economy.
Global efforts must focus on avoiding fossil fuels and feedstocks altogether. To do so, we need to evaluate how much energy we really need (energy sufficiency), avoid losses whereever possible (energy efficiency), generate it only sustainable sources (renewable energy), and use it in the most efficient way we can.
For the latter, using electricity directly whenever possible, is crucial. Only where we cannot directly electrify, Power-to-X comes into play. With Power-to-X, renewable electricity and sustainably provided carbon or nitrogen can become the main sources for the world’s energy and molecular feedstock and replace the fossiles of today. This is key to build a climate-neutral, prosperous global economy which can still offer all our modern-day amenities.
This means that Power-to-X must be developed jointly with the other above mentioned measures and only if there is no better way.
Power-to-X is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Producing sustainable e-fuels and chemicals from renewable electricity and carbon is energy-intensive. Therefore, Power-to-X should only be used in sectors and industries in which direct electrification is not yet possible. This currently applies to aviation and maritime transport as well as the cement, steel, and chemical industry. For these high-emissions industries, Power-to-X bridges the gap to climate neutrality.
Sustainability is key.
Power-to-X is not inherently sustainable. Producing hydrogen with Germany’s power mix from 2018 would lead to CO2 emissions four times higher than those produced with fossil fuels. For Power-to-X production to be truly climate-neutral as well as socially and environmentally beneficial, ambitious sustainability rules must be phased in during market ramp up along the entire value chain. Certification and standards should guide the trade of sustainable Power-to-X products and put reliable long-term conditions for investments in place.
Learn more about our >> EESG Framework for Sustainable PtX.
Power-to-X offers tremendous potentials for the growth of emerging economies – if done right.
Power-to-X products will need to be produced and traded on a global scale to reach the climate goals set by the Paris agreement. Many regions are equipped to become Power-to-X producers: Countries with significant renewable energy potentials can decrease their fossil fuel dependence and supply their own demand for fuels and chemicals, with the additional potential to export Power-to-X products and high-quality materials such as green steel.
However, distinct pathways exist for each country: In those with existing heavy industries, Power-to-X can incite a local transformation towards low-carbon economies. In countries without industries and transport sectors heavily reliant on fossil fuels, Power-to-X can offer the opportunity to build up new value chains and industries and even leapfrog fossil-based production pathways altogether.
In any country, Power-to-X should be set to stimulate the generation of renewable electricity, possibly even be a vector to provide clean water as a byproduct.
To accelerate these transitions towards climate-neutral economies, we work with our partners to find bottom-up solutions for specific local needs and demands.
*Source: Öko-Institut (2019). Not to be taken for granted: climate protection and sustainability through PtX. Retrieved from https://www.oeko.de/fileadmin/oekodoc/Impulse_paper_criteria_for_e-fuel_production.pdf
Success story
ProQR, Brazil
Given Brazil’s commitment to carbon reduction goals, fueling aviation sustainably is crucial. Biokerosene can only partially meet supply challenges and electric options such as drones have limited application, Making this sector carbon-neutral requires disruptive technology.
The consumption of fuel is rising; in addition to the 5% annual growth rate observed in transportation overall, Brazil’s aviation fuel demand is exacerbated by the size of the country and increasing connections with remote, isolated locations. These logistical challenges increase prices and contribute to climate change.
We need to introduce a new paradigm — a disruptive concept of decentralized production. For fueling Brazil, small might just be better.
