The demand for diesel and marine fuel is projected to grow until the end of this decade. Due to their high energy density, replacing them with alternative renewable energy sources poses a significant challenge. However, advancements in renewable hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and biomass conversion and upgrading technologies present substantial opportunities for the diesel and marine fuel market. Renewable and sustainable fuels offer a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions in the near and medium term.
Biofuels present practical benefits, as they can be utilized with existing fuel and engine systems and are cost-effective to store onboard. Wet biomass, such as logging waste, sewage sludge, and animal manure, can be converted into bio-oil through processes like pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction. This bio-oil can then be transformed into diesel and marine-range hydrocarbons, depending on pretreatment and hydrotreating capabilities. Additionally, blending biofuels with existing petroleum fuels can reduce the costs associated with alternative fuels while still achieving lower greenhouse gas emissions.
On the other hand, ammonia and hydrogen are also considered advantageous because they do not emit CO2 when burned. As most hydrogen and ammonia are currently produced using carbon-intensive processes, there is a growing need to develop renewable methods for their production. This shift would play a crucial role in decarbonizing the transportation sector.