“Securing energy supplies is a critical military capability,” says Shena Britzen. Her thesis is as simple as it is obvious: without fuel supplies, even the best weapon system is useless. Giga PtX is therefore intended to strengthen security of supply in Europe in the event of a military emergency: the aim is to produce 20.5 million tons of synthetic fuel per year on a decentralized basis. According to Rheinmetall, this is the estimated requirement of NATO forces in Europe in the event of a defense situation.
From the expert's point of view, this is a scale that is significantly smaller than that of civilian use, but large enough to establish the necessary process chains: "Electricity, water, and CO₂ - that's all it takes. Each plant in the Giga PtX network operates independently, with electricity from photovoltaic, wind power, or geothermal plants, with its own electrolysis capacities for hydrogen production, with carbon capture technologies for the provision of carbon dioxide from industrial waste gases and from the air, and with reactors for diesel fuel or kerosene synthesis." Rheinmetall is cooperating closely with INERATEC, Sunfire, and Greenlyte on the project.
Decentralized, Self-Sufficient E-fuel Production
The project envisages several hundred production plants spread across the entire continent as a network of decentralized, self-sufficient units. As a general contractor, Rheinmetall has experience in the successful implementation of large-scale projects and has proven expertise and a broad portfolio of capabilities in the integration of complex chemical-technical plants. “In Europe, we must learn to think on a larger scale again. Building our own e-fuel capacities is an important building block for strengthening our resilience,” the Rheinmetall manager continues.
The processes of choice should come as no surprise: electrolysis to produce hydrogen, followed by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and upgrading. The results are paraffinic diesel, marine diesel, and kerosene, which can be used in a variety of ways and easily without any technical hurdles. Existing vehicles and aircraft, whether civil or military, can refuel with these so-called drop-in fuels either without any technical modifications or, in the case of older systems, with minimal additives. How does the company respond to the frequently heard opinion that e-fuels are too expensive to produce and therefore the projects are not economically viable? “Giga PtX is the fastest and most resilient solution for ensuring fuel security,” replies Shena Britzen. “Furthermore, Giga PtX achieves cost minimization through economies of scale – not by building individual plants as large as possible, but by replicating many plants based on the same design,” she continues.
“Availability is More Important Than the Price per Liter”
Rheinmetall considers target costs of €2.00 to €2.50 per liter to be achievable. “That's still more than fossil diesel costs at the pump today. But in wartime, at the latest, it's availability that counts, not the price per liter,” says the expert.
Shena Britzen further emphasizes: “The message would carry weight: We in Europe can produce our own fuel, our energy needs are secured – even in the event of war.” Energy self-sufficiency thus becomes part of the defensive strategy. The technology is mature and proven, the plans are on the drawing board. Now it's time for political decisions. Shena Britzen refers to ongoing discussions and at the same time emphasizes: “I am sure that the project will happen.” According to its own statements, Rheinmetall could, together with its technology partners, implement the project across Europe within five to ten years.
A Signal to the Engine World
The information is likely to provide exciting impetus for participants at the Engine Congress, especially in view of the decisions being made about the future of drive systems and fuels. What will happen to the Giga PtX capacities in peacetime, for example? According to the concept, the state could sell the fuel and thus also meet civilian demand. It is noteworthy that if demand arises from the defense sector, this step could trigger the industrial scaling that sustainable fuels have been waiting for for years.
