Travail de fin d'études et stage[BR]- Travail de fin d'études : Energy Return on Investment of Synthetic Fuels[BR]- Stage d'insertion professionnelle

Abstract

The interest in synthetic fuels is rising and is seen as a new technological challenge for the upcoming years. Synthetic fuels can be based on two primary sources, biomass or electricity, but no technologies stand out. These fuels produce a small amount of $CO_2$, which is not negligible for the future. The literature does not offer many compilations of $CO_2$ emissions for those fuels. Moreover, Energy Return On Investment is a factor that comprehensively analyses the possible implementation of these fuels in the energy system. The use of EROI at a societal level is not analyzed in depth. This report aims to establish $CO_2$ emissions and EROI values for different synthetic fuels. The data created is then implemented in the EnergyScope model to see how the world adapts to the addition of synthetic fuels. Finally, estimate the lowest emissions level reachable for 2050 and which synthetic fuels will be the more important in 2050. Determining the $CO_2$ footprint has been conducted by looking up different life cycle assessment studies of different synthetic fuel productions. By using Simapro software, the decomposition of each process is done for energy production, production, liquefaction and transportation. The EROI is calculated using the efficiencies and the energy invested in the different inputs needed for the process. The most accessible synthetic fuel to produce is hydrogen from both analyses. The values created are given to the EnergyScope model adapted to the Belgian case. In 2050, the model reaches a $CO_2$ reduction compared to the 2015 level of 83\% using mainly synthetic fuels. In this scenario, synthetic natural gas (SNG) is the leading synthetic fuel used. Using SNG depends mainly on the balance between the efficiency of the process and transportation. The synthetic fuel used in the future depends on which technology is developed the most.