To estimate the potential of regenerative fuels (reFuels), a holistic assessment is required. Within the “reFuels – Rethinking Fuels” project under the auspices of the state of Baden-Württemberg, companies in the energy and mineral oil sectors and in automotive and supply industries, together with KIT, study efficiency potentials for the production and use of reFuels. The project focuses on both use in diesel and Otto engines. The range of engines extends from small cars to trucks, to special vehicles and from the diesel engine for rail and inland waterway transport to engines for decentralized energy supply.

To produce sufficient amounts of fuel components, pilot plants that already are in operation are used. The project considers both systemic and socioeconomic aspects of the production and use of the fuels. Particular attention is paid to the dialog with civil society in order to foster open communication to the society.

The project started in January 2019 and is scheduled for a duration of two years.

• Supplying regeneratively produced fuels (reFuels) in amounts sufficient for small fleet tests
   
• Holistic analysis of processes for the production and use of reFuels
   
• Assessing (application) properties of reFuels
   
• Demonstrating reFuels in use
   
• Integrating actors of civil society
   
• Communication to society
   
• reFuels are to be suited for use in all vehicles, from very old to brand new, in order to make available a quick and complementary solution for CO₂-neutral mobility.

The project based in Baden-Württemberg is the only project of this kind that integrates all relevant actors in the supply chain: Industry and utilities, a refinery, automotive and industry suppliers, systems developers, engine and vehicle manufacturers, an established science institution, and a state government that pushes the transition in the mobility sector by its “Strategy Dialog for the Automotive Sector in Baden-Württemberg” – a real advantage that will help manage the complex change of mobility.

From production to application

Holistic approach

The holistic project approach covers three parts:

1. Energy-related analysis and potentials of the synthesis of reFuels
2. Safety of use of reFuels
3. Communication of the findings obtained to all partners