Low Carbon Fuels FAQs
What does ‘waste-to-X’ (W2X) mean?
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X is commonly used as term to refer to the wide array of products capable to be produced across a technology spectrum. So, we uplift the value of waste to suit a wide variety of end market demand, rather than just generating electricity. Uplifting the value of waste products to its highest use is central to the circular economy as a platform for us all to use less energy to lead to reducing greenhouse gases.
So, W2X refers to the process to recycle waste into hydrogen, carbon and oxygen molecules or hydrogen-derived products such as methanol, ammonia and SAF.
What other roles does Grade A+ hydrogen play in the energy transition?
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Hydrogen can be combined with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce electricity. Fuel cells are capable to be stationary to produce electricity to supply power to the grid or to recharge a battery electric vehicle. Fuels cells are also capable to be mobile, typically with trucks and buses, with hydrogen supplied on board to the fuel cell to produce electricity.
What are hydrogen, methanol and hydrogen-to-X products used for?
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Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that when combined with oxygen in a stationary or mobile fuel cell produces electricity and water. So, hydrogen can be used as a substitute for diesel in cars, trucks and buses or in power generation.
Methanol as a chemical is used in many manufacturing processes like solvents, paints and pharmaceuticals. Methanol as a hydrogen carrier or fuel can be used in freight transport, shipping, or to provide grid-firming power.
Ammonia is commonly used to produce fertilisers, explosives and as an energy carrier.
What other roles does low carbon methanol play in the energy transition?
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Low carbon methanol has an important role to play in the energy transition.
Low carbon methanol can replace the chemical feedstocks traditionally acquired from fossil fuels and help to produce materials such as plastics, paint, adhesives, medicines and many other products used in modern society.
If low carbon methanol emits carbon dioxide when reformed to produce hydrogen, how is low carbon methanol different from conventional fossil fuels?
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The idea behind low carbon CO2 emissions is that low carbon fuels contain carbon that was recently sequestered from the atmosphere by plant matter. When this carbon is released into the atmosphere, the quantity sequestered (the carbon “sink”) and the quantity released at combustion (the carbon “source”) net out.
While low carbon content CO2 sourced from organic matter results in no net change in atmospheric CO2, fossil CO2sourced from plant matter that’s been stored underground for millions of years results in a net increase in atmospheric CO2.
How can industry partners and investors learn more?
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We welcome discussions with councils, governments, industry partners and investors interested in developing Sustainability Precincts or understanding how the technology can support local waste, energy and emissions goals. Xseed Solutions can provide technical briefings, project scoping support and partnership pathways.
Enquiries can be directed through our website: xseed.solutions