Brussels, 2006-03-13
Volkswagen Group Founding Member of the "Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe" (ASFE)
Automotive and fuel suppliers unite to promote synthetic fuels in Europe.
The Alliance for Synthetic Fuels in Europe (ASFE) was launched in Brussels. At a conference held in Brussels and attended by European Commissioners Günter Verheugen and Andris Piebalgs and Austrian Minister Josef Pröll, leading automotive and fuel supply companies laid out their common vision of sustainable mobility in Europe today.
Founding members of the Alliance of Synthetic Fuels in Europe (ASFE) - DaimlerChrysler, Renault, Sasol Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and the Volkswagen group - addressed the strategic role of synthetic fuels in tackling today’s energy and environment challenges. ASFE companies share the view that synthetic fuels can reduce the environmental impact of road transport through improved energy efficiency and cleaner fuels.
Synthetic fuels are a new generation of near zero sulphur and aromatics transport fuels made with the Fischer Tropsch process from natural gas (GTL), coal (CTL) or biomass (BTL). Of the three processes, GTL is the most commercially advanced and offers a practical alternative fuel today. A number of plants are being built or planned and product availability will increase from 2006 onwards. BTL needs further R&D investment but has the potential to use domestic resources in Europe.
Franz-Josef Paefgen, general power of attorney, Volkwagen AG will set out the objectives of the ASFE: “The objectives of ASFE are to promote synthetic fuels and support a range of activities in the field of sustainable mobility including research, projects demonstrating the benefits of synthetic fuels including vehicle trials, cooperation with governments and promotion of public awareness.”
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fuels derived from natural gas are comparable with transport fuels made from crude oil, while those produced from biomass can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction of up to 90%. As synthetic fuels can be used neat or blended in existing diesel engines, distribution and refueling infrastructure, they are the most cost effective solution to reducing petroleum dependency. Synthetic fuels can provide significant local air quality improvement by reducing tailpipe emissions (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons).
Founding members of the Alliance of Synthetic Fuels in Europe (ASFE) - DaimlerChrysler, Renault, Sasol Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and the Volkswagen group - addressed the strategic role of synthetic fuels in tackling today’s energy and environment challenges. ASFE companies share the view that synthetic fuels can reduce the environmental impact of road transport through improved energy efficiency and cleaner fuels.
Synthetic fuels are a new generation of near zero sulphur and aromatics transport fuels made with the Fischer Tropsch process from natural gas (GTL), coal (CTL) or biomass (BTL). Of the three processes, GTL is the most commercially advanced and offers a practical alternative fuel today. A number of plants are being built or planned and product availability will increase from 2006 onwards. BTL needs further R&D investment but has the potential to use domestic resources in Europe.
Franz-Josef Paefgen, general power of attorney, Volkwagen AG will set out the objectives of the ASFE: “The objectives of ASFE are to promote synthetic fuels and support a range of activities in the field of sustainable mobility including research, projects demonstrating the benefits of synthetic fuels including vehicle trials, cooperation with governments and promotion of public awareness.”
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fuels derived from natural gas are comparable with transport fuels made from crude oil, while those produced from biomass can contribute to greenhouse gas reduction of up to 90%. As synthetic fuels can be used neat or blended in existing diesel engines, distribution and refueling infrastructure, they are the most cost effective solution to reducing petroleum dependency. Synthetic fuels can provide significant local air quality improvement by reducing tailpipe emissions (particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons).