Hydrocarbon liquefaction: viability as a peak oil mitigation strategy
Mikael Höök1, Dean Fantazzini, André Angelantoni
1Global Energy Systems, Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, , Villavägen 16, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
Summary
Coal-to-liquids (CTL) and gas-to-liquids (GTL) face significant economic and environmental challenges. While GTL shows better economics than CTL, high costs and environmental impacts limit the viability of both technologies for large-scale liquid fuel production.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Energy Economics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Current world hydrocarbon liquefaction capacity is limited, contributing marginally to global liquid fuel supply.
- Coal-to-liquids (CTL) and gas-to-liquids (GTL) are alternative fuel production technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive review of technical, economic, environmental, and supply chain aspects of CTL and GTL.
- To identify predominant challenges and opportunities for these alternative fuel production methods.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing data on CTL and GTL projects.
- Comparative assessment of economic viability, resource requirements, and environmental impacts.
Main Results:
- Both CTL and GTL require substantial coal and gas inputs for marginal liquid fuel output.
- CTL economics are prohibitive; GTL economics are better but face very high upfront costs and budget overruns in large-scale plants.
- Small-scale GTL presents potential for associated gas utilization.
- Significant environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions (CTL) and water contamination, are associated with both technologies.
Conclusions:
- High resource requirements and prohibitive economics, particularly for CTL, limit widespread adoption.
- Cost overruns and environmental impacts pose significant barriers to the growth of GTL and CTL projects.
- Further research and development are needed to address environmental concerns and improve economic feasibility.
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