PowertoLiquidProzessen

PowertoLiquidProzessen, commonly referred to as Power-to-Liquid (PtL), are a set of technologies that convert electrical energy—preferably from renewable sources—into liquid fuels or other liquids by forming and processing carbon oxides. In typical PtL schemes, renewable electricity drives electrolysis to produce hydrogen; carbon dioxide is captured from a point source or ambient air. The hydrogen and CO2 are then converted into synthesis products such as methanol, dimethyl ether, or hydrocarbons via processes like Fischer–Tropsch synthesis or methanol-to-gasoline/diesel pathways. The result is long-chain hydrocarbons comparable to conventional jet fuel, diesel, or other liquids.

Variants in PtL differ by the choice of intermediate (FT-based hydrocarbons vs methanol-based routes), energy source, and CO2 supply. PtL sits within the broader Power-to-X (PtX) family. It is distinct from Power-to-Gas (PtG), which aims to produce hydrogen or methane rather than liquids.

PtL fuels are considered for sectors difficult to electrify directly, notably aviation, shipping, and heavy transport. They offer potential advantages in energy storage and energy density compared with batteries, but currently incur high production costs and energy losses; overall well-to-tank efficiencies are commonly in the 40–60% range, depending on catalysts, process design, and electricity quality. Large-scale deployment requires abundant, low-cost renewable power and supportive policy, carbon pricing, or incentives.

Environmental performance depends on the electricity mix and CO2 source; when powered by renewables and using captured CO2, PtL can deliver low-life-cycle emissions, potentially even net-negative in some configurations. When powered by fossil electricity, emissions may rise. As of the early 2020s, PtL projects exist primarily as pilots and demonstrations, with commercialization contingent on cost reductions and policy frameworks.