Synthetic kerosene (e-kerosene) is a promising option for greenhouse gas-neutral aviation. In addition to technological optimization, structural and political measures are also crucial for the sustainable and long-term economic production of e-kerosene, which is as independent as possible from critical raw materials. This is the conclusion reached by the team of authors of the study "Resource requirements and availability for greenhouse gas-neutral aviation". This was compiled by DECHEMA Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V. on behalf of the PtX Lab Lausitz.
144 different production routes
Angee Fehling and Dr. Dinh Du Tran (DECHEMA e.V.) as well as Anja Paumen and Dr. Lorenzo Cremonese (PtX Lab Lausitz) investigated which mineral raw materials are required for the production of e-kerosene for aviation. In the study, they identified a total of 144 different production routes for electricity-based kerosene and considered not only the criticality of the raw materials but also the material costs that arise during extraction and processing. The results show which technologies and sustainable production routes can be used to produce sufficient quantities of e-kerosene.
16 million tons of raw materials required
By 2025, at least five million tons of e-kerosene are to be refuelled at German airports in line with quotas. To achieve this quantity, around 16 million tons of raw materials including overburden will be required - three times as much material as before. According to the researchers, shortages are to be feared for cobalt and platinum, which are frequently used in catalytic converters, and iridium, which is used in certain electrolyzers. However, the more readily available raw materials copper and zinc, which are also used in catalytic converters, and the less critical nickel should also be handled as sparingly as possible.
The study can be downloaded here.
Steps towards climate neutrality
"The transformation of existing air traffic is closely linked to the energy transition," says Dr. Dinh Du Tran from DECHEMA. "This concerns not only the availability of raw materials for renewable energy, but also for alternative energy sources for the production of synthetic fuels and base materials." However, the climate targets cannot be achieved through technical changes alone, but only through the complete substitution of fossil kerosene with sustainable alternatives. The study identifies the following steps, among others:
- Focusing on the most resource-efficient sub-processes for the production of e-kerosene along the entire value chain
- Integration of e-kerosene technologies into existing infrastructures
- Establishing international partnerships and secure supply chains
- Promotion of recycling strategies and an internationally coordinated, sustainable circular economy