Fueling the energy transition: An overview of the fuels and chemicals for a sustainable future

Fast forward to 2050, the energy landscape will look different than it does today. Energy demand is rising (McKinsey) and globally, the energy sector grapples with supply disruptions, price volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. This requires a transition toward a more diverse, resilient and sustainable energy system. For energy-intensive industries and long-distance transportation that means demand for a wide range of fuels.

In a resilient and sustainable energy system, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, renewable fuels and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will play a vital role.

Currently, the world relies heavily on fossil fuels, with oil, coal and natural gas accounting for approximately 80% of energy consumption (IEA WEO 2024). In the International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario, by 2050, clean energy meets 90% of global energy demand, around one-third of the remaining fossil fuel demand is fully abated, around half is used as a feedstock or in other non-energy use, and the remainder is offset by direct air capture, negative emissions from bioenergy, or other forms of carbon removal technologies.

Hydrogen: The cornerstone of clean energy

Hydrogen and its derivatives, particularly low-carbon and green, stands out as a pivotal solution for the energy transition. Low-carbon hydrogen, also known as blue hydrogen, is produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, while green hydrogen is generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. Hydrogen derivatives, such as ammonia and methanol, can be utilized across various sectors, including transportation, industry and power generation.

For a deeper dive into hydrogen's potential, read our article on Why green hydrogen could play a major role in powering our sustainable future and explore our hydrogen solutions. 

Methanol: A versatile fuel for lowering emissions

Methanol, available in both low-carbon and green forms, is another critical component of the energy transition. Low-carbon methanol, or blue methanol, is produced from natural gas with CCS, while e-methanol, also known as green methanol, is derived from renewable feedstocks. Methanol can serve as a fuel for the shipping or automotive industry, a feedstock for chemicals and a hydrogen carrier, making it a versatile solution for reducing emissions.

Learn more about methanol from Nacero in this video Nacero plans large-scale Methanol production with Topsoe Technology and explore our methanol solutions.

Ammonia: A key fuel source and energy carrier

Ammonia, both low-carbon and green, is emerging as a vital fuel and feedstock in the energy transition. Low-carbon ammonia, or blue ammonia, is produced from natural gas with CCS, while green ammonia is synthesized using renewable energy. This versatile chemical compound can be used as a hydrogen carrier, a fuel for maritime and other energy-intensive industries and a feedstock for fertilizers, making it essential for achieving sustainability goals.

For more on ammonia, read our article on Ammonia: a cracking opportunity for hydrogen and check out our ammonia solutions.

Renewable Fuels: Transforming waste into energy

Renewable fuels, like renewable diesel and SAF, are produced from feedstock such as waste oils and biomass, and they offer a lower-emission alternative to conventional fuels. Renewable fuels can be used as drop-in replacements for diesel and jet fuel, enabling significant emission reductions in transportation.

Discover more about renewable fuels in our article Can cost-effective renewable fuel come with feedstock flexibility and minimized emissions? and explore our renewable fuel solutions.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and e-SAF: Revolutionizing flight emissions

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and e-SAF are crucial for decarbonizing the aviation sector. These fuels can significantly lower emissions while utilizing existing infrastructure, making them a practical solution for the industry. SAF is produced with a blend of fossil and renewable hydrocarbons, from a variety of feedstocks, and can be used as direct replacement for conventional fuel. E-SAF is a sustainable synthetic fuel, or electrofuel, made using green hydrogen produced via electrolysis and captured or biogenic CO₂. 

For insights into SAF, read our article e-SAF offers much promise within Sustainable Aviation Fuels and dig into our SAF solutions.

Ready for take-off

The transition toward a resilient, secure and sustainable energy future is not just a possibility, it’s a necessity. Innovative technologies for low-carbon and e-fuel production help pave the way and the solutions are already available and proven.

At Topsoe, we have 80+ years of experience refining world-leading solutions and together with our partners, we fuel the energy landscape of today and tomorrow. Discover all of our solutions.