Electrofuels

Electrofuels are a relatively new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume energy. Unlike traditional fuels, electrofuels are produced from carbon dioxide (CO2) and renewable electricity. Essentially, they are synthetic fuels that can be used as a replacement for fossil fuels.

The production of electrofuels begins with the capture of CO2 from the atmosphere or from industrial processes. This CO2 is then converted into a fuel through a process called electrocatalysis, which involves using renewable electricity to power a chemical reaction that converts CO2 into a liquid fuel. The resulting fuel can be used in the same way as traditional fossil fuels, including for transportation and power generation.

One of the most exciting innovations in the field of electrofuels is the development of efficient and scalable electrocatalysis processes. Researchers are working to optimize the chemical reactions involved in the production of electrofuels to make them more efficient and cost-effective. Additionally, there is ongoing research to identify the best sources of renewable electricity to power these reactions.

Another innovation in the field of electrofuels is the use of microorganisms to produce synthetic fuels. Some microorganisms, such as bacteria and algae, are capable of using renewable electricity to power chemical reactions that produce liquid fuels. This process is known as microbial electrosynthesis and has the potential to be a more sustainable and efficient method for producing electrofuels.

Overall, the development of electrofuels has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and support a more sustainable energy future. Currently, we don't have enough cheap and clean electricity to make electrofuels an affordable alternative to regular gasoline. As a result, electrofuels can be up to 237% more expensive than gasoline. For example, a household in the United States that spends $2,000 a year on gasoline could end up paying an extra $2,000 or $4,000 more for electrofuels. But as research and development in this field continues, we may see more promising advancements in the near future.

Sources:

• European Commission. (2020). The EU's Industrial Strategy: Electrofuels for Decarbonising Transport. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/eus-industrial-strategy-electrofuels-decarbonising-transport_en
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2020). Electrification Beyond the Grid: Electrofuels. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/transportation/electrification-beyond-grid/electrofuels.html
• Biotechnology Innovation Organization. (2021). Electrofuels. Retrieved from https://www.bio.org/policy/industrial-and-environmental/electrofuels
• ScienceDirect. (2021). Microbial Electrosynthesis: A Promising Strategy for Electrofuels Production. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590113821000227
• Gates, Bill. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (p. 139). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.