In the race against time to resist sustainability, gradually becoming a key strategy, the transition to synthetic fuels marks an important moment for the offshore industry of this era. This shift is driven by environmental tasks and the pursuit of decarbonization, focusing on the potential of various synthetic fuels to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of offshore operations. The study was conducted by Dr. Astrid Bensmann, along with Christine Minke of Clausthal Technical University and Richard Hank Larson Professor Richard Hanke-Rauschenbach, along with Dr. Lukas Kistner of Leibniz University Hannover, and Dr. Lukas Kistner, Efforts to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cargo-friendly power systems by 2030, as stated in the peer-reviewed journal, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review.
Their research centered on comparative evaluation of internal combustion engines and fuel cells powered by a variety of synthetic fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, methane and synthetic diesel. The study carefully evaluates the economic and environmental impacts of integrating these power technologies into offshore operations. The methodological rigorously of the study is evident in the holistic approach, covering not only direct financial impacts but also long-term environmental impacts, thus providing a nuanced understanding of the potential of these technologies for revolutionary maritime logistics.
At the heart of Dr. Bensmann and colleagues’ findings are that fuel and technology choices significantly affect the cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability of offshore operations. This analysis illuminates the competitive edge of fuel cells, especially those provided by gas hydrogen, from the task of economic and environmental indicators, assuming cost parameters for 2030. This insight challenges the conventional view on gaseous feasibility due to its low capacity energy density, hydrogen highlights its potential in reducing system costs under certain conditions.
Furthermore, this study highlights the dynamic interaction between fuel price, opportunity cost of onboard sales and task characteristics to determine the most suitable fuel combination of power technology. It allows fuel cells to shed light on the economic competitiveness of fuel cells operating in methanol or ammonia in over seven days of mission, thus mapping the way for the offshore industry to transition to a greener future.
The implications of this study go beyond the academia’s impact on influencing decision makers, industry stakeholders and researchers. It greets the maritime sector how it approaches decarbonization, highlighting the need for strategic vision and the development of strong fuel supply chains. Essentially, the work of Dr. Bensman and colleagues not only maps a course for sustainable maritime operations, but also serves as a key resource for the complexity of decarbonization of the driving transport sector. In short, the offshore industry stands at the intersection, and synthetic fuels provide a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. The research of Dr. Bensmann and her team provides a key foundation for informed decision-making, highlighting the importance of adopting innovative energy solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of offshore logistics, thus ensuring the industry’s resilience in terms of regulatory and environmental challenges. .
Journal Reference
Lukas Kistner, Astrid Bensmann, Christine Minke, Richard Hanke -Rauschenbach). “Comprehensive techno-economic assessment of power technologies and synthetic fuels discussed in marine applications.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Review 183 (2023) 113459.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.113459.
About the Author
Since 2018 Lukas Kistner He is working as a researcher with a background in electrical engineering and focuses on ship power system configuration and technical economic analysis. In 2023, he received a Ph.D. Doctorate from Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany. His survey covers topics of hybrid system design optimization, control strategies, economic and environmental assessment, different fuel cell technologies and synthetic fuels.
Astrid Bensman He serves as a senior researcher and group leader in the Electricity Energy Storage Systems Department at the University of Leibniz, Germany. Her research interests include the modeling, design and operation of energy systems, characterization and operation of battery systems.
Richard Hanke-Rauschenbach He is a full professor at Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany and serves as the chairman of power storage systems. His research interests include power storage systems, vehicle energy systems, multi-mode energy systems, gas power and PEM water electrolysis.
Christine Minke He is a professor of Circular Economy System Engineering at Klausthal Technical University in Germany. She is a process engineer in training and has an MBA from the Business School Collège Des Ingeniéurs Paris. Her research focuses on sustainability assessment and cycles of emerging energy technologies. Based on her deep engineering expertise, she has developed life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost (LCC) and related methods. She applies these methods to energy technologies across the value chain of sustainable energy systems: such as photovoltaic motors, power electronics, batteries and green hydrogen, from electrolysis to fuel and feedstock applications.
