PtX Lab Lausitz defines criteria for sustainable production of green fuels and basic materials
Copyright: PtX Lab Lausitz/Toni Kretschmer
New PtX Lab study ‘Sustainability Criteria for Green Fuels and Basic Materials from Renewable Energy’ proposes certifications for the production of alternative fuels and basic chemicals.
The transformation of the mobility sector and the chemical industry will only succeed if the market ramp-up of alternative fuels and basic materials is rapid, fair and ecologically responsible. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of the PtX Lab Study Sustainability Criteria for Green Fuels and Basic Materials from Renewable Energy — A Comprehensive Approach for a Rapid and Secure Market Ramp-Up.
Lukas Horndasch und Nils Fuchs from PtX Lab Lausitz have worked with colleagues to analyse how this transition can be achieved.
Study available for download
Copyright: PtX Lab Lausitz/iStock
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Event places study results in an economic context
During the PtX Lab Release event, which was broadcast live on the internet, the authors provided insight into the results of the study. It became clear that electricity-based, green fuels and raw materials – known as Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) – are indispensable for the transport and industrial transition. For a market for these materials to emerge, trust and widely accepted sustainability labels are needed. They are the key to tomorrow's economy.
Copyright: PtX Lab Lausitz / Steffen Rasche
Social and environmental sustainability criteria that go beyond issues of greenhouse gas emissions and electricity procurement should apply to all types of alternative fuels.
Amparo Arellano (RSB), Dr. Matthias Deutsch (Agora Industry) und Jochen Bard (Fraunhofer IEE) placed the study results in an economic context in short keynote speeches.
The concluding panel discussion, in which external experts Dr Matthias Deutsch and Jochen Bard were joined by Anita Demuth, focused on the question of which sustainability requirements must be retained at all costs and where concessions might be appropriate in order to accelerate market uptake.
The discussion also addressed whether new classifications of fuel types represent a suitable transitional solution. There was agreement that the necessary acceptance for PtX projects can only be achieved through involvement and participation.
New criteria for ten key sustainability aspects
The set of criteria developed by PtX Lab Lausitz evaluates RFNBO not only technically, but also in terms of ecological, social and economic factors. Such dynamic sustainability criteria make it possible to orientate oneself to all phases of market development.
In addition, the authors of the study have developed a staggered approach based on an S-curve model. This enables a phased market ramp-up of green power and raw materials – from pilot projects in the early stages to widespread use in the mature stage.
However, framework conditions are also required that are jointly shaped by politics, industry and civil society. To this end, the study makes the following specific recommendations for action, among others:
- Link government financial support to particularly high sustainability criteria
- Promote global harmonisation of sustainability criteria
- Integrate sustainability goals into import strategies for hydrogen derivatives
The RFNBO market ramp-up must combine speed with pragmatism and long-term robustness.
About the study
The new PtX Lab study ‘Green electricity-based power and raw materials – sustainability criteria for a rapid and secure market ramp-up’ follows on from the study ‘Development of PtX sustainability standards and indicators’ published by PtX Lab Lausitz in 2022. For the update, new data was generated, the scope was expanded to include maritime fuels and chemicals, and specific criteria for water use and other social aspects were developed.
The latest 138-page publication was produced under the leadership of Lukas Horndasch and Nils Fuchs, consultants at the Competence Centre, as well as Dr Harry Lehmann and Anita Demuth, the head and deputy head of PtX Lab Lausitz.
Contact
Anita Demuth
Deputy Head / Head of Section PtX Mobility
+49 152 28 400 735
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