Globally, we want to replace fossil fuels with more sustainable solutions. St1 is currently exploring how renewable energy production, such as wind power, can be converted into various fuels, also known as synthetic gasoline and diesel. The process is often referred to as Power-2-X.
We have worked on eMethane, which is the same as biogas but produced by synthesis. Additionally, we are working on establishing a biogas network and finding the best ways to utilize it.
Water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen. High electricity prices have hindered the use of this process, known as water splitting, until now.
Hydrogen can be stored and used as fuel, while oxygen is useful for industrial applications and combustion processes. Furthermore, hydrogen can be combined with carbon dioxide (CO2) through synthesis, creating endless possibilities to produce chains of molecules representing different liquid or gaseous synthetic fuels, known as electric fuels or e-fuels.
In St1, we are working broadly on this in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. One of the projects, which is in the pre-study phase, is carried out in collaboration with Horisont Energi in Norway. The goal is to develop a green ammonia plant in Northern Norway, which will be linked to the wind power ambitions for Finnmark.
In Finland, we are conducting a feasibility study in collaboration with LUT University to establish a pilot for eMethanol (synthetic methanol).
«We have worked on eMethane, which is the same as biogas but produced by synthesis. Additionally, we are working on establishing a biogas network and finding out how we can make the best use of it» Silvennoinen explains.
In Sweden, St1 is focused on building a biorefinery, and Silvennoinen's team is also exploring the potential for electric jet fuel (eKerosene).
The Power to X process, however, is extremely power-intensive, and for e-fuels to be truly sustainable, the entire value chain must be driven by renewable energy sources, such as wind power.
«In St1, we are working broadly on this in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. One of the projects, which is in the pre-study phase, is carried out in collaboration with Horisont Energi in Norway. The goal is to develop a green ammonia plant in Northern Norway, which will be linked to the wind power ambitions for Finnmark» says Riitta Silvennoinen, who leads the division for future energy solutions at St1.
Being a pioneer has its challenges.
«We don't have much to compare to. Our biggest challenge lies in optimizing the transformation of wind power into synthetic fuels. No one has done this on an industrial scale before. For example, calculating the size of the equipment and storage to be used is a huge challenge» says Silvennoinen.
Despite the challenges, there are also significant opportunities.
«In the Nordic countries where we operate, there are unique opportunities to develop synthetic fuels and the technology it requires. The potential for wind power production is substantial, and we can use carbon dioxide from the air or local industries. In addition to domestic demand, there is significant potential for the export of synthetic fuels since we expect global demand to increase rapidly» she concludes.
