InnoFuels is the first and so far only networking and exchange platform for electricity-based fuels and advanced biofuels. It brings together potential and associated partners in a total of seven fields of activity and coordinates the interdisciplinary exchange and transfer of knowledge between a wide range of stakeholders from science, companies, associations, politics and society. The structure of the platform is explained in the adjacent graphic. You can find out more about our goals and activities here.
The InnoFuels project aims to make the rapid ramp-up of electricity-based fuels and advanced biofuels a reality, so that it can subsequently offer possible planning approaches to all interested parties. The aim is to network, develop and create framework conditions. The platform brings together various research institutions, manufacturers from the automotive, aviation and shipping industries, energy suppliers, and federal and state ministries. In addition, other associated partners are on board to benefit from their wealth of experience. The project is organised into a total of seven task-specific innovation clusters.
Into the new year with momentum
New workshops, exciting studies and international networking - InnoFuels starts 2025 full of energy! How can renewable fuels be ramped up? What are the next steps? An interview with project coordinator Dr. Olaf Toedter provides exciting insights into the vision and the next milestones.
The InnoFuels project has been running since February 2023. How far have you got with your tasks so far?
InnoFuels is a joint project with many partners. At the beginning, of course, there was the challenge of getting the project up and running and familiarizing the partners with each other. This has now been achieved. One important result, for example, is the development of cross-thematic workshops: Originally, we focused on specific issues in individual workshops. However, through continuous exchange and close cooperation, we have been able to create formats that combine different focal points and deal with broader topics. These workshops not only promote deeper collaboration, but also help to tackle complex challenges holistically.
The project structure is based on a matrix with seven focus areas. Has this model proved its worth?
Absolutely. A topic as complex as fuels requires both in-depth technical expertise in specific focus areas and a strong network that links these topics together. A key unifying factor here is platform coordination, but also the way we work together. This includes how we organize the workshops, discuss and work out the results together and finally communicate them. The structure has therefore proven to be extremely effective.
What are the next steps in the project?
We are working on developing measures that link different technologies and applications. The initial aim is to identify potential for new business areas within the existing regulatory framework. At the same time, we want to consider international networking and possible further developments in regulation in order to roll out future-proof business models.
Can you give us a specific example of such links?
Methanol-based technologies are a good example: There are already established applications in the industry for certain fuel fractions such as gasoline. There are also new applications, such as for jet fuel. These processes must be considered in combination. The same applies to Fischer-Tropsch fractions. In both cases, it is likely that we will have to import essential intermediate products - for example from so-called favorable locations with a surplus of sun and wind. Electrolysis and fuel synthesis can be operated economically there. The intermediate products such as methanol or Fischer-Tropsch oil are then imported, processed here and refined in combination.
That sounds complex. What role do by-products play in this?
When we synthesize fuels, co-products inevitably arise - sometimes to a greater extent, sometimes to a lesser extent, depending on the process selectivity. The challenge is to assign a significant greenhouse gas-reducing value to all products, including by-products. This not only has an impact on production costs, but ultimately also determines the profitability of the business models.
Participation welcome
The InnoFuels platform regularly organises workshops and other events that are open to anyone who is interested. These events are designed to provide expert input, facilitate knowledge sharing and enable networking among all participants. The individual Innovation Focus groups host the events. Participation in the workshops is free of charge. The three most recent events are listed below. You can find more on the events page. We look forward to seeing you there!
Two internal InnoFuels events in April will set the tone for the ramp-up of renewable fuels: on April 2, the Methanol-to-Fuels Symposium will focus on the use of methanol as a sustainable fuel. This will be followed on April 30 by an InnoFuels workshop at the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, which will develop strategies for sustainable demand and supply development of reFuels. Both events will provide valuable impetus for innovation and networking within the specialist community. We will report promptly on the results of the events and share any insights gained.
On May 22, the "Sustainability" team led by the DBFZ is hosting an online event to shed light on the current status of national implementation of the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED). Although the formal implementation deadline is set for May 21, 2025, Germany is unlikely to meet this deadline - partly due to the early federal elections. Nevertheless, the event will use this date to discuss key challenges and possible solutions.
To register
The workshop brings together key stakeholders along the maritime value chain to identify key challenges and barriers to the introduction of climate-neutral marine fuels. The aim is to develop practical solutions for a successful market ramp-up. With a particular focus on the Rostock model region, concrete measures are being developed to make the maritime energy transition efficient and sustainable.
To register
The bioliq® project at KIT demonstrated early on how residual biomass such as straw can be converted into synthetic fuel - a technological milestone that is also highly relevant for the InnoFuels platform project. The process chain comprises the shredding and drying of residual biomass, its thermochemical conversion via fast pyrolysis, the central gasification and purification of the synthesis gas and the subsequent chemical fuel synthesis. And all of this on an industrial scale. In this interview, project manager Prof. Nicolaus Dahmen looks back on the most important stages, challenges and successes of bioliq ®.
To interview
A new technical report from ISP Road&Rail summarizes how paraffinic diesel - especially HVO - affects the particle mass and particle number emissions of diesel engines. Both internal engine emissions and the effect of exhaust gas aftertreatment systems are taken into account. The paper provides important findings on engine and aftertreatment emissions and can thus support fleet operators, manufacturers and politicians in using the fuel, which has been officially approved since mid-2024, sensibly and responsibly as a climate-friendly option.
To paper
On April 2, the "Methanol-based fuels" symposium took place in Frankfurt am Main, organized by the "Production" team of the InnoFuels innovation platform. Experts from science and industry came together to discuss the current status of methanol-based fuels and the associated challenges. Key topics included the provision of renewable methanol and the processing of methanol into fuels, new business models for a successful market launch and research questions on further technological development.
More information
As part of the InnoFuels workshop at the DBFZ, experts discussed the potential and challenges of renewable LNG in the transport sector. In addition to practical experience and current research activities, the focus was on the strategic role of LNG for sustainable mobility. The workshop took place on the occasion of the official commissioning of the new pilot plant for synthesized biogas (SBG), which will research innovative technologies for the production and use of renewable methane in the future. Further information, the agenda and presentation slides can be found under the link below.
To the agenda and presentation slides
At a workshop in mid-February, the focus this time was on scenarios for the market ramp-up of e-fuels in road transportation. Our project partner, Frontier Economics, had analyzed and evaluated studies from several institutes in detail on behalf of an association. The results provide valuable insights into the expected price development of a fuel mix of fossil and green gasoline and diesel in the coming decades - a crucial basis for planning the market ramp-up. The subsequent discussion based on the diverse experiences of the InnoFuels partners once again provided new impetus.
To study
The latest issue of our newsletter is now available! Find out more about the latest developments in the InnoFuels project, the latest debates on the ramp-up of renewable fuels and exciting reviews of past workshops.
You can view or download the current issue directly here. Stay informed and register for free on our newsletter page!
To NewsletterFunding
Project InnoFuels is funded with a total of 5,24 million euros by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the Funding Programme Renewable Fuels. The funding guideline for the development of renewable fuels is coordinated by NOW GmbH and supported by the project management agencies VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH and Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (Agency for Renewable Resources.
