What is power-to-liquid? Power-to-liquid (PtL/P2L) converts renewable energy into storable liquid fuels and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

During electrolysis, water is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. In a further step, the hydrogen reacts chemically with carbon dioxide, which can be obtained from the atmosphere or industrial exhaust gases. The Fischer-Tropsch process, which has been used since 1925 to produce liquid fuels, is often used here. The synthetic fuel produced in this way can be used for the mobility sector or as a raw material for the chemical industry.

Vehicles with internal combustion engines can run on PtL fuels with virtually no emissions, and without extensive retrofitting of the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, PtL could be used in the aviation and shipping industries, where other decarbonization solutions are currently limited.

The chemical industry can use PtL as a raw material for various chemical processes, thus reducing its carbon footprint. In regions with varying renewable energy potentials, PtL can serve as an integrative platform for using renewable energies efficiently and flexibly, which strengthens regional energy security and contributes to a global reduction in carbon emissions.

Power-to-liquid optimizes the use of renewable energies and bridges the gap between different energy needs. By converting renewable energy into storable liquid fuels, PtL does not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Parallel to this, grid stability is also improved by flexible storage options. This storage capability helps to reduce the imbalance between power generation and power use. This is particularly true on days when renewable sources such as wind and sun generate more power than is immediately needed.

By producing virtually emission-free fuels, PtL supports the decarbonization of the transport sector and enables more sustainable mobility. Furthermore, it provides a viable way for industries that rely on carbon-intensive processes to reduce their carbon emissions by aligning their power supply with greener alternatives. Lastly, the technology can contribute to the production of green chemicals, thereby further reducing the chemical industry’s dependence on fossil fuels. This will thus reduce the environmental impact and accelerate the energy transition.

PtL serves as a carbon-neutral solution for the storage and use of renewable energy. The liquid fuels produced take up significantly less volume than hydrogen. They are therefore easier to store and transport. Vehicles with conventional internal combustion engines can easily switch to these environmentally friendly fuels without the need for complicated retrofitting. The flexibility of PtL makes it possible to adapt different processes to the respective regional energy sources. Lastly, PtL provides the chemical industry with a way to reduce its carbon footprint by serving as a source material for green chemical processes.