Compared to other applications, road traffic consumes the most energy today. Freight and private transportation account for the highest consumption. There are also off-road applications. It is already clear that, in addition to the electrification of transport, reFuels will have to contribute to the defossilization of this area of application.

Drop-in fuels in particular are being discussed as alternative fuels within the existing fuel standards. In addition, HVO is a fuel for which a corresponding standard has already been created. These fuels are compatible with existing engine technology and could therefore be used directly in the existing fleet.

In rail transport, around 20 percent of energy is provided by liquid fuels. Despite advancing electrification, there are also some areas of application for renewable synthetic fuels here. For example, Deutsche Bahn, the largest operator in Germany, has already converted individual routes to HVO in pilot trials.

The innovation focus on road and rail is being worked on jointly by the Institute for Piston Engines at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology of Volkswagen AG and Porsche AG.

ISP Schiene & Straße
ISP Schiene & Straße

VDMA industry association speaks out in favour of reFuels in forestry and agriculture

The German Engineering Federation (VDMA) is also fundamentally positive about the ramp-up of reFuels. In view of the not inconsiderable fuel consumption of agricultural machinery and tractors operated in Germany, the association has just shared a video on the YouTube platform that promotes the benefits of the widespread use of reFuels in agriculture.