Clean Energy Technology Observatory, Renewable fuels of non-biological origin in the European Union :Status report on technology development, trends, value chains and markets : 2023

This report investigates the status and trend of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), except hydrogen, which are needed to cover part of the EU's demand for renewable fuels in the coming years. Most of the conversion technologies investigated have been already demonstrated at small-scale, and the current EU legislative framework under the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (Fit-for-55 package) set specific targets for their use. As first, well-established solid hydrogen supply chains are needed, together with carbon capture technologies for Carbon Capture and Use (CCU). Fuels that may be produced starting from H2 and CO2 or N2 are hydrocarbons, alcohols and ammonia. The use of RFNBO is crucial in the transition period towards the electrification for their ability to be used in the existing fuel infrastructures, so many funding programmes is today available. Moreover, EU leads the sector in terms of patents, companies and demonstration activities. Finally, the report considers the major challenges and the opportunities for a rapid market uptake of such fuels.