Hello Queseanians,
Here is a study on A pathway to decarbonize the shipping sector by 2050 published by International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
IRENA_Decarbonising_Shipping_2021-NC.pdf (10.2 MB)
The study includes the following comparison table on the readiness level of shipping fuels and a 1.5oC scenario energy pathway.
The 1.5oC scenario energy pathway shows that LNG together with renewable e-fuels, methanol, and ammonia, are the most promising fuels for decarbonizing the shipping sector by 2050.
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Renewable ammonia is considered the preferred alternative for the shipping sector. It has similarities to conventional fossil fuels in terms of physical characteristics, and the production cost of e-ammonia does not depend on associated carbon capture and removal technology costs.
E- ammonia could represent 43% of the energy mix in 2050. -
LNG has gained momentum in recent years, and there are nearly 200 ports equipped with LNG bunker facilities worldwide. However, LNG has limited potential to decarbonize international shipping at a large scale, considering that the CO2 content of LNG is only about 26% lower than
that of fuel oil. Thus, LNG has a restrictive potential to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050 and is considered an intermediate solution to decarbonization. -
Hydrogen (H2) is one of the most viable fuels in the long term as an alternative fuel for the shipping sector. H2 can be used either in Fuel Cells or in Internal Combustion Engines (as of 2022, up to 25% of H2 in ICEs). Still, because of the early design phase for H2 FCs, can apply to smaller ships, such as ferries or passenger ships. Thus, direct use through H2 FCs and ICEs may play a minor role in deep-sea shipping, but there is potential in short-distance shipping.
What do you believe will be the fuel of ships by 2050?
- Hydrogen
- Ammonia
- Methanol
- LNG
- Fossil Fuels
- Biofuels
- Other