VTT conducts tests for new E-fuel project for heavy machinery: Finnish limited liability company VTT has conducted tests for a new e-fuel project that aims to produce electrofuel from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide for heavy machinery, according to a press release. The new e-fuel underwent first-time practical testing in a diesel-powered tractor at AGCO Power’s Linnavuori plant in Finland last week. The test drive measured fuel consumption, as well as the carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particles and other substances in the exhaust emissions.

How it works: The project combines high temperature electrolysis, CO2 capture, and Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis to develop e-diesel from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide on a pre-commercial scale, the statement notes. “The fuel can be used to replace fossil diesel in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy road transport and shipping. It can also be used in machinery. Our next step is to obtain information on the usability of the fuel in a field test,” VTT Research Professor Juha Lehtonen said.

The new fuel could be used on existing vehicles without modifications: “Sustainable fuels suitable for the current diesel engine fleet, such as drop-in e-diesel, can be blended with fossil diesel and still meet the quality requirements of paraffinic diesel according to the EN 15940 standard,” AGCO Power's Director of Engineering Kari Aaltonen said.

E-fuel could be a useful device in curbing emissions: Aramco and Dutch automaker Stellantis recently partnered on a study which revealed low-carbon fuel — derived from a green hydrogen and CO2 mix similar to sustainable aviation fuels — is compatible with 28 mn European-made cars across 24 engine families in circulation since 2014, potentially mitigating some 400 mn tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2025 and 2050 if motorists make the switch. Previous testing from both companies also showed that car models currently on the market could potentially consume e-fuel without any modifications to their powertrains.

And it’s picking up in the region:Saudi oil giant Aramco and Enowa — Neom’s energy and water utility subsidiary — signed a joint development agreement last month to establish an e-fuel demonstration plant in KSA’s Neom. The demo plant aims to make a case for the technical feasibility and commercial viability of e-fuel production in the kingdom.

Tags: