is then oligomerised and hydrogenated to produce synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) – the primary constituent of SAF. This pathway is highlighted for its high efficiency and lower hydrogen requirements compared to other synthetic fuel processes. Moreover, as outlined, ethanol’s versatility extends to the marine sector, where it could be blended directly with marine fuels or further processed to meet the specific requirements of marine engines. This dual applicability enhances the utility of recycled carbon ethanol ethanol, promoting its wider adoption across diverse transportation sectors.
Technology readiness and commercial viability LanzaTech’s technology demonstrates significant strides in the commercialisation of recycled carbon ethanol. With several commercial plants already operational worldwide, converting CO-rich waste gases to ethanol, this technology is not just a theoretical proposition, but a practical solution already being implemented at scale today. These facilities effectively capture and convert industrial off-gases from steel mills and other heavy industries into substantial volumes of ethanol annually. The readiness of this technology is also supported by a growing number of pilot projects and demonstration plants that further the application range of ethanol from waste carbon. For instance, projects that explore the integration of green hydrogen with captured CO₂ to enhance the sustainability quotient of the produced ethanol are gaining ground. Such initiatives are crucial in optimising and scaling the technology to meet global energy demands sustainably.
Beijing Shougang LanzaTech New Energy Technology (SGLT) ethanol plant in China, operating since 2018 (the sculpture is a ball-and-stick diagram of ethanol)
The successful deployment of these technologies for ethanol production hinges on a combination of technical, logistical, and policy considerations that extend far beyond the plant “ The successful deployment of these technologies for ethanol production hinges on a combination of technical, logistical, and policy considerations that extend far beyond the plant gate ” gate. Siting decisions are especially strategic, as facilities must be located close to sources of CO or concentrated CO₂, while also ensuring reliable access to renewable electricity for producing the green hydrogen essential to the process when using CO₂. Yet proximity alone is not enough: for waste carbon-derived
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