There is a wide range of alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Some of them are already in use, while others are under development. Together, they paint a picture of a future with multiple innovative fuels with the potential to substantially reduce emissions.
There is a wide range of alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Some of them are already in use, while others are under development. Together, they paint a picture of a future with multiple innovative fuels with the potential to substantially reduce emissions.
The most common are:
• Biofuel - this is the term for fuel, gas, or liquid that derives from biomass or biomass residues. It can be produced from a wide range of feedstock and used directly or blended with conventional fossil fuels.
• Ammonia fuel - intended for longer transportation and is another alternative fuel with close to zero CO2 emissions when derived from green hydrogen and nitrogen captured from the atmosphere.
• Methanol - has the potential to be a carbon-neutral fuel on a well-to-wake basis, if derived from bio feedstock or green hydrogen and captured biogenic CO2. It holds great potential – especially for smaller vessels – as it requires very low energy content to operate.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) - is natural gas produced from primarily cooled-down methane. The fuel has been available since the 1950s and is used by more than 200 vessels, predominantly LNG carriers.
• Hydrogen fuel - a promising fuel for transportation and is considered a clean fuel if produced with renewable energy. The fuel can be produced from various energy sources, such as electrolysis of renewables, or by reforming natural gas.
Read more about alternative fuels here.
