Technical Economic Evaluation of Renewable Jet Fuel from Power, Biomass and/or Carbon Dioxide

Kurzfassung

Advanced technologies, optimized operation and infrastructure are not sufficient to achieve the CO2 mitigation goals agreed on for the aviation sector. Carbon neutral alternative liquid fuels are required to fill the gap towards a carbon-neutral growth from 2020 on. The Power-to-Liquid (PtL) and the Biomass-to-Liquid (BtL) processes are options to produce synthetic jet fuels from renewable energy. The technical and economic performance of production processes based on renewable electricity, biomass and/or CO2 was investigated and evaluated. The process performance is evaluated via flowsheet simulation models and pinch point analyses comparing the Power-to-Fuel efficiency as well as carbon conversion into liquid fuels. Biofuel output can significantly be increased in the combined concept (PBtL) utilizing renewable electricity in modified BtL plants. A cost analysis based on market data and equipment factors was performed for the investment year 2016. The increased fuel output of the PBtL concept results in lower fuel production costs due to the effects of the economy of scale. The sensitivity of the electrolyzer capital cost and electricity prices were analyzed and their effect on the production costs will be presented. Investment and operating costs to fill the gap towards carbon-neutral air transport growth from 2020 on can be predicted based on 2016 costs and technology status. A comparison to other renewable jet fuels regarding land use, feedstock potential and economic measures will be provided.