Low Carbon Fuels FAQs
What does ‘waste-to-X’ (W2X) mean?
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X is a term used to describe the broad range of products that can be produced across a technology spectrum. It means we can uplift the value of residual waste to meet a wide variety of end-market needs, rather than limiting its use to electricity generation alone.
So, W2X refers to the process of recycling waste into hydrogen, carbon and oxygen molecules or hydrogen-derived products such as methanol, ammonia and SAF.
Elevating waste to its highest and most efficient use is a core principle of the circular economy, helping reduce overall energy use and, in turn, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
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 can be used in stationary settings to supply power to the grid or recharge battery-electric vehicles. They can also be used in mobile applications - most commonly in trucks and buses - where hydrogen is stored on board and converted into electricity as needed.
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 manufacturing processes for products such as solvents, paints and pharmaceuticals. Methanol as a hydrogen carrier or fuel can be used in freight transport, shipping, or to provide grid-firming power.
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 lower carbon intensive goods such as plastics, paint, adhesives and medicines.
Ammonia is commonly used to produce fertilisers, explosives and as an energy carrier.
If low carbon methanol still releases carbon dioxide when it’s used, how is it different from fossil fuels?
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Low carbon methanol does release carbon dioxide when it is reformed, but the key difference is where and in what form that carbon comes from.
In low carbon methanol, the carbon is sourced from plants or organic waste that recently absorbed CO₂ from the atmosphere. Produced and captured as CO2 during upcycling reduces the emissions of more harmful methane emissions from landfills. When low carbon methanol is used to replace traditional fossil fuel uses, that same carbon is released back into the air, meaning there is no net increase in atmospheric CO₂ and lower methane emissions.
Burning fossil fuels adds new carbon to the atmosphere, increasing overall emissions.
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.
Connect with us through our:
website: xseed.solutions
email: hello@xseed.solutions