Power and Biomass to Liquid - An option for Europe’s sustainable and independent aviation fuel production

Abstract

To answer the question, if Europe can self-sufficiently cover its sustainable fuel (SAF) demand with the PBtL path, three key issues have to be addressed: The availability of sufficient biomass resources in Europe has to be assessed. Second, a techno-economic analysis uncovers fuel production costs for different economic boundary conditions, i.e. national grid electricity cost or biomass prices, to ensure the economical provision of SAF. Third, whether the fuel can be regarded as sustainable according to the EU’s RED II is determined by the production path’s global warming potential (GWP), which strongly depends on the used electricity GWP. To that end, a GWP assessment based on local production conditions is conducted and the production capacity for SAF determined. A discussion of different electricity sources on a regional level not only shows possible sweet spots for the role-out of the PBtL technology but also reveals Europe’s potential SAF production capacity and cost. Advantages of the PBtL process in terms of CO2 abatement and production capacity over other biomass paths will be highlighted. Finally, the possible role for PBtL in Europe’s move towards sustainable aviation fuel production will be discussed.