The future of e-fuels – part one: Maritime shipping

Price of green ammonia could fall to challenge fuel oil as capex and renewable electricity costs come down

There are a number of e-fuels that could be synthesised from low-carbon hydrogen, but the ones widely expected to perform best in coming decades are the synthetic fuels best suited to decarbonise long-distance maritime shipping and aviation—e-ammonia and e-kerosene respectively. Despite their additional costs, these two e-fuels also are viewed as better options than the use of straight hydrogen in these sectors. This is because of their superior energy density and the high cost of storing liquefied hydrogen on vessels and aircraft. The first part of this two-part series explores the potential of e-ammonia for shipping through 2050 as well as the major barriers it must first overcome. Poten