Paper details

Title:

Meeting the Naphtha Demand in the European Chemical Industry with Biogenic CO2: Potentials, Limitations, and Alternatives

Author(s):

Horndasch, L., Akhmetova, I., Tafur, L., Demuth, A., Bernhard, S., Lehmann, H.

Document(s):

Abstract:

This paper examines the feasibility of replacing fossil-based naphtha in the European chemical industry with synthetic naphtha produced from biogenic CO2 via Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. As steam crackers face growing pressure to decarbonise, fossil-free feedstocks are urgently needed. Using scenario analysis, we assess the future availability of biogenic CO2 in the European Union (EU) and compare it with competing demands from e-fuels and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Our results show that biogenic CO2 is insufficient available to fully meet demand across sectors, if only biogenic CO2 from sustainable biomass sources is used. While on-purpose FT-naphtha production is likely to remain marginal, significant volumes could emerge as a co-product from e-kerosene production, especially if EU policy incentives keep favouring e-fuels. These findings highlight the need for integrated biogenic CO2 allocation strategies, complementary fossil-free carbon sources such as direct air capture (DAC), and demand reduction measures to enable a climate-neutral chemical sector in Europe.

Keywords:

demand, supply, Fischer-Tropsch, petrochemicals substitute, carbon dioxide (CO₂), naphtha, fossil-free feedstock

Topic:

Biomass Conversion to Biomaterials and Chemicals

Subtopic:

Platforms for bio-based chemicals and polymers

Event:

33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

6AO.9.3

Pages:

1070 - 1076

ISBN:

978-88-89407-25-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-6AO.9.3

Price:

FREE