IChemE Champions Renewable Fuels for UK Maritime Sector Transition
Key Ideas
- IChemE supports a new analysis promoting the use of renewable fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and synthetic hydrocarbons in the UK maritime sector for decarbonization.
- The report highlights the economic competitiveness of renewable sources compared to traditional fossil fuels and the need for a strategic mix of low-carbon fuels to meet decarbonization targets.
- While hydrogen is the cheapest low-carbon fuel to produce, significant infrastructure changes are required, posing challenges in utilizing it in the maritime industry.
- Transitioning to alternative maritime fuels will involve evaluating trade-offs between costs, infrastructure requirements, and efficiency, with a focus on regions with access to renewable electricity sources.
The Institution for Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has endorsed a newly published analysis aimed at facilitating the UK's maritime sector transition to low-carbon fuels. The report, 'Low-Carbon Maritime Fuelling,' emphasizes the economic competitiveness of renewable sources like hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and synthetic hydrocarbons compared to traditional fossil fuels. IChemE underscores the necessity of a strategic mix of these low-carbon fuels to reduce emissions in alignment with the UK's Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.
The National Engineering Policy Centre, with support from the Sargent Centre for Process Systems and Engineering, collaborated on the report, coinciding with the imminent release of a new maritime net zero framework by the International Maritime Organization. IChemE's technical contributions to the analysis aim to guide policymakers in navigating decisions for a cleaner maritime sector. Although renewable maritime fuels are currently more energy-intensive and costly, advancements in technology and production processes are expected to enhance efficiency and reduce costs over time.
The report identifies hydrogen as the most cost-effective low-carbon fuel, but significant infrastructure modifications are necessary for its integration into existing systems. Synthetic hydrocarbons, while utilizing existing infrastructure, are the most expensive to produce. Ammonia and methanol offer practical storage options but require additional investment to convert shipping fleets. Identifying suitable locations in the UK with proximity to renewable electricity sources and high demand for maritime fuels is crucial. Regions like northern Britain, with ample wind power resources, may be suitable for hydrogen production but would necessitate substantial investments in infrastructure. Overall, the report advocates for a holistic approach to transitioning to renewable fuels in the UK maritime sector.
Topics
Maritime
Carbon Emissions
Energy Efficiency
Renewable Fuels
Chemical Engineering
Economic Analysis
UK Maritime Sector
Renewable Energy Technologies
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