- Wärtsilä has published an important paper on the role of sustainable fuels in the energy sector’s transition towards decarbonised power generation.
- P2X fuels are produced through the electrolysis of water into hydrogen and its various derivatives.
- We help our customers in decarbonisation by developing market-leading technologies.
Wärtsilä, a technology company, has released a key report on the significance of sustainable fuels in the energy sector’s transition to decarbonized power generation as reported by Wartsila.
Power plants
Future carbon-neutral fuels, as well as the usage of flexible engine power plants that can use them, will be critical to this transition.
Wärtsilä has invested substantially in the study of alternative future fuels at its dedicated fuel laboratory, where a wide range of fuels has been tried, in order to meet the growing requirement to decarbonize engine power plants. Fuel testing and engine compatibility assessments will be carried out under one roof for the first time as part of the company’s new world-class Smart Technology Hub.
“Wärtsilä has taken a leading position in the study of carbon-neutral fuels, made possible by our outstanding facilities, testing capabilities and expertise. This paper explains in great detail the options and likely future fuel-choice scenarios that will transform the way that energy is produced with assets such as grid balancing engines,” explains Jukka Lehtonen, Vice President, Technology & Product Management, Wärtsilä Energy.
Energy from renewable sources
The fuel options are divided into three groups: Power-to-X (P2X), Bio-to-X (B2X), and Waste-to-X (W2X) (W2X). P2X fuels are created by electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen and its derivatives. They can only be called “green” if the energy used in the process comes from renewable sources. B2X comprises biofuels and biogas, which will likely be employed as a locally appropriate option in certain parts of the world, particularly as mixes. Plastic or tyre pyrolysis oils, as well as gasified municipal trash, are examples of W2X fuels. They have importance for sustainability and decarbonisation since they foster a circular economy.
Reetta Kaila, Director, Sustainable Fuels and Environment, Wärtsilä Energy, says: “The key outcome of our studies is that different fuels will be adopted depending upon location and availability. We feel that we must look beyond the concept of one or two fuels, be it hydrogen, ammonia or methanol, being the universal choice. We believe that multiple fuel options will be available, many of them very localised serving power plants within fairly short distances of the fuel production.”
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Source: Wartsila
