Hamburg, 14 October (Argus) — German eFuel One GmbH plans to produce around 75 million litres of synthetic E10 per year from 2028. The manufacturing process is to be based on methanol. The plant would be one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
The synthetic gasoline will meet the DIN EN 228 standard and be blended with up to 10% bioethanol, according to the company.
The synthetic petrol is produced on the basis of green methanol, which is obtained from renewable hydrogen and CO2 using green electricity. In several process steps, the methanol is converted into a fuel that meets the existing requirements for petrol. The price of green methanol is thus the biggest price factor in production.
Currently, eFuels are still considered niche products, as they cannot compete on price with conventional fuels. In addition to the increase in the GHG quota, which will lead to a higher demand for fulfilment options, the planned expansion of production capacities in Europe could also contribute to cost reductions in the long term.
Synthetic petrol, which is based on green hydrogen, can also contribute to fulfilling the RFNBO mandate of the GHG quota in the future. The new version, which is currently being negotiated, stipulates that by 2040 at least 12 % of the energy used in the transport sector must come from so-called Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO). This also includes eFuels produced from renewable hydrogen and CO2.
BMW, Lother GmbH and German eFuel One signed a letter of intent on 13 October to promote the use of eFuels in Germany. BMW plans to fuel new vehicles upon initial delivery at selected locations in Germany with synthetic E10 from Steyerberg from 2028. Diesel models have been initially filled with HVO since the beginning of 2024. The Lother Group, through its brand Nordoel, wants to support the initial refuelling and take over future distribution. The company already offers synthetic fuel at a filling station in Kirchweyhe near Bremen at a current price of 2.29 €/l. Total gasoline consumption in Germany in 2024 was around 23.5 billion litres, according to BAFA.
By Marcel Pott
