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Dabo, A.A.; Gough, A.; Alparslan, F.F. Synthetic Fuels for Decarbonising UK Rural Transport. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/57279 (accessed on 26 December 2024).
Dabo AA, Gough A, Alparslan FF. Synthetic Fuels for Decarbonising UK Rural Transport. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/57279. Accessed December 26, 2024.
Dabo, Al-Amin Abba, Andrew Gough, F. Frank Alparslan. "Synthetic Fuels for Decarbonising UK Rural Transport" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/57279 (accessed December 26, 2024).
Dabo, A.A., Gough, A., & Alparslan, F.F. (2024, October 18). Synthetic Fuels for Decarbonising UK Rural Transport. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/57279
Dabo, Al-Amin Abba, et al. "Synthetic Fuels for Decarbonising UK Rural Transport." Encyclopedia. Web. 18 October, 2024.
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Synthetic Fuels for Decarbonising UK Rural Transport
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This is a peer-reviewed entry published in Encyclopedia Journal, full entry can be found at 10.3390/encyclopedia4040101

Decarbonising transport is a crucial element of the UK’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as the transport sector is currently the largest contributor to the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. Rural communities face distinct challenges in this effort due to their reliance on internal combustion engines (ICEs) across vehicles and machinery essential for daily life, including farming equipment and private transport. While the upcoming ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles paves the way for the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), this solution may not fully address the unique needs of rural areas where infrastructure limitations and specific mobility requirements pose significant barriers. In this context, synthetic fuels, produced using renewable energy sources, offer a potential alternative. These fuels can be used directly in existing internal combustion engines without requiring major modifications and have the added benefit of reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 during production. This entry explores the potential advantages of adopting synthetic fuels, particularly in rural areas, and examines how community-based buying cooperatives could support their wider use through bulk purchasing, cost reduction, and community empowerment.

decarbonisation net zero rural transport synthetic fuels e-fuels community buying cooperatives renewable energy social value
Decarbonising the transport sector is a fundamental component of the United Kingdom’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. In 2021, transport was responsible for 26% of the UK’s total GHG emissions, with passenger cars contributing more than half of this figure. Recognising the critical need to mitigate these emissions, the UK government has implemented comprehensive policies such as the Road to Zero Strategy and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan. These initiatives set clear targets, including phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, and emphasise the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) across all transport modes [1][2].
While these policies are crucial for achieving substantial emissions reductions nationwide, their implementation faces significant challenges. These challenges arise not only from infrastructural disparities but also from economic constraints and varying regional needs [3]. The widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), for instance, is more feasible in urban areas where infrastructure is more developed. In contrast, rural communities often struggle with underdeveloped power networks and insufficient charging infrastructure, making a large-scale shift to EVs more difficult [4][5]. Additionally, economic factors such as the higher upfront costs of EVs and the limited financial resources in certain regions further complicate adoption [3][6]. These obstacles are compounded by the unique mobility needs of rural populations, who rely heavily on private vehicles for essential services, employment, and social connections. The dispersed nature of these communities, coupled with longer travel distances, exacerbates concerns about range anxiety and limited access to charging facilities, making the transition to EVs particularly challenging in these settings [7][8]. Moreover, the reliance on diesel-powered machinery for agricultural and other essential transport activities in rural areas presents further challenges to decarbonisation. Tractors, harvesters, and other farm vehicles, which are crucial for rural livelihoods, are currently dependent on fossil fuels due to their high-power requirements and the lack of viable electric alternatives. The transition to electric or hydrogen-powered alternatives is hindered by both the technological limitations of these options and the lack of supporting infrastructure in remote areas [9][10].
Given these challenges, there is a growing recognition that alternative low-carbon technologies must be explored alongside the promotion of EVs to ensure the comprehensive decarbonisation of the transport sector [10][11]. Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, have emerged as a promising alternative, particularly in contexts where electrification may not be feasible or practical. Synthetic fuels are produced through chemical processes that convert renewable energy sources into liquid or gaseous fuels, which can be used in existing internal combustion engines with minimal modifications. This compatibility with current infrastructure is a significant advantage, particularly in sectors and settings where the immediate deployment of EVs is challenging, such as in rural areas, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and aviation [12][13][14].
The potential of synthetic fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions lies in their ability to create a closed carbon loop [15]. By capturing CO2 during production, synthetic fuels can significantly lower the overall carbon footprint of their use, making them a viable option for contributing to the UK’s broader climate goals [16]. This characteristic is particularly valuable in rural areas where the development of EV infrastructure may be slower or more difficult to achieve and where maintaining the existing vehicle fleet is often more practical than transitioning to new technologies [14]. Additionally, synthetic fuels can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including renewable electricity, biomass, and waste, which enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and diversifying the UK’s energy mix [15][17]. However, despite their potential, the widespread adoption of synthetic fuels faces several challenges. The production processes for synthetic fuels, such as electrolysis and Fischer Tropsch synthesis [18], are currently more expensive than traditional fossil fuel production methods. This is largely due to the high costs associated with the necessary technologies and the energy-intensive nature of these processes. Moreover, the overall energy efficiency of synthetic fuel production is lower compared to direct electrification, raising concerns about the scalability of these technologies and their long-term viability as a large-scale energy solution [13][15].
To overcome these challenges, the development of a robust supply chain for synthetic fuels is critical. This includes securing sustainable feedstocks, establishing efficient production facilities, and integrating synthetic fuels into existing fuel distribution networks [19]. Policy support and investment in research and development are also essential to reducing production costs and improving energy efficiency [20]. These efforts are particularly important in rural areas, where synthetic fuels could play a crucial role in bridging the gap between current infrastructure capabilities and the ambitious goals of transport decarbonisation [13][21].
As the UK continues its journey towards a net-zero future, it is vital to explore and evaluate all viable technologies that can contribute to this goal. This entry seeks to investigate the potential role of synthetic fuels as a complementary solution to electric vehicles in the decarbonisation of rural transport in the UK. By examining the benefits, challenges, and feasibility of adopting synthetic fuels in rural settings, this entry paper aims to provide insights into how these fuels can be integrated into the broader strategy for achieving net-zero emissions. Additionally, this entry paper will explore the role of community-based initiatives, such as buying cooperatives, in supporting the proliferation of synthetic fuels, thereby enhancing their accessibility and affordability for rural communities. Through this analysis, this entry paper intends to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable transport solutions and offer practical recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and rural communities striving towards a low-carbon future.

References

  1. Tyers, R.; Hutton, G.; Walker, A.; Stewart, I. Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure (Research Briefing No. CBP-7480). House of Commons Library. 2024. Available online: https://www.wcu.edu/pmi/1999/RK02.PDF (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  2. Department for Transport. Government Sets Out Path to Zero Emission Vehicles by 2035. GOV.UK. 2023. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-path-to-zero-emission-vehicles-by-2035 (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  3. Mitchell, K.; Marsden, G.; Buscher, M. Bridging the Gap: Addressing Challenges in Achieving Net-Zero Mobility; Stantec: Pune, India, 2023.
  4. Beveridge, G. Driving towards an Electric Future: Challenges and Progress in the UK’s EV Infrastructure. Urban Science. 2024. Available online: https://www.urbanscience.com/insightlab/driving-towards-electric-future-challenges-and-progress-in-uks-ev-infrastructure/ (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  5. County Councils Network. New Data Reveals That There Is Just One Electric Vehicle Charger for Every Ten Miles in England’s County and Rural Areas. County Councils Network. 2023. Available online: https://www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk/new-data-reveals-that-there-is-just-one-electric-vehicle-charger-for-every-ten-miles-in-englands-county-and-rural-areas/ (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  6. Believ. Driving the Future of the UK’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure: Local Authority Insight Report 2023/2024. Believ. 2023. Available online: https://25171237.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/25171237/Believ%20Local%20Authority%20Insight%20Report%202023_2024.pdf (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  7. Challen, J. The Challenges Facing Rural Areas for Net Zero Quest. Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation. 2023. Available online: https://www.ciht.org.uk/news/the-challenges-facing-rural-areas-for-net-zero-quest/ (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  8. Edwards, H.; Dallas, M.; Stewart, I. Decarbonising Rural Transport; Commons Library Debate Pack No. 2023/0050; House of Commons Library: London, UK, 2023.
  9. Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE). Farm of the Future: Journey to Net Zero. Royal Agricultural Society of England. 2022. Available online: https://www.rase.org.uk/content/large/documents/reports/farm_of_the_future-_journey_to_net_zero.pdf (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  10. Rosa, L.; Gabrielli, P. Achieving net-zero emissions in agriculture: A review. Environ. Res. Lett. 2023, 18, 063002.
  11. Department for Transport. Low Carbon Transport: A Greener Future—A Carbon Reduction Strategy for Transport (Cm 7682). The Stationery Office. 2009. Available online: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c872bed915d6969f45822/7682.pdf (accessed on 22 August 2024).
  12. Dall-Orsoletta, A.; Ferreira, P.; Dranka, G.G. Low-carbon technologies and just energy transition: Prospects for electric vehicles. Energy Convers. Manag. X 2022, 16, 100271.
  13. Ridjan, I.; Mathiesen, B.V.; Connolly, D.; Duić, N. The feasibility of synthetic fuels in renewable energy systems. Energy 2013, 57, 76–84.
  14. Hänggi, S.; Elbert, P.; Bütler, T.; Cabalzar, U.; Teske, S.; Bach, C.; Onder, C. A review of synthetic fuels for passenger vehicles. Energy Rep. 2019, 5, 555–569.
  15. Ruth, J.C.; Stephanopoulos, G. Synthetic fuels: What are they and where do they come from? Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 2023, 81, 102919.
  16. Haarlemmer, G.; Boissonnet, G.; Peduzzi, E.; Setier, P.A. Investment and production costs of synthetic fuels–A literature survey. Energy 2014, 66, 667–676.
  17. Pregger, T.; Schiller, G.; Cebulla, F.; Dietrich, R.-U.; Maier, S.; Thess, A.; Lischke, A.; Monnerie, N.; Sattler, C.; Le Clercq, P.; et al. Future fuels—Analyses of the future prospects of renewable synthetic fuels. Energies 2019, 13, 138.
  18. Krylova, A.Y.; Kulikova, M.V.; Lapidus, A.L. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts for the production of liquid fuels from various raw materials. Solid Fuel Chem. 2014, 48, 230–233.
  19. Styring, P.; Dowson, G.R.; Tozer, I.O. Synthetic fuels based on dimethyl ether as a future non-fossil fuel for road transport from sustainable feedstocks. Front. Energy Res. 2021, 9, 663331.
  20. Alsunousi, M.; Kayabasi, E. The role of hydrogen in synthetic fuel production strategies. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2024, 54, 1169–1178.
  21. Calderón, A.J.; Agnolucci, P.; Papageorgiou, L.G. An optimisation framework for the strategic design of synthetic natural gas (BioSNG) supply chains. Appl. Energy 2017, 187, 929–955.
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Subjects: Chemistry, Applied
Contributors MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register :
Al-Amin Abba Dabo
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Andrew Gough
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F. Frank Alparslan
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Online Date: 18 Oct 2024
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