UK has ‘golden opportunity’ to be world leader in nuclear-derived net zero synthetic fuels

The UK has a ‘golden opportunity’ to become a world leader in the production of emissions-free synthetic fuels using nuclear energy, according a new report by energy consultants Equilibrion and the Nuclear Industry Association.

The Synthetic Fuels paper outlines how scaling nuclear-derived synthetic fuels on a national level could help Britain decarbonise hard to abate transport sectors to help deliver on energy security and net zero targets.

The transport sector is responsible for almost a third (27%) of global greenhouse gas emissions, with aviation and shipping two of the most challenging areas to decarbonise.

The report details how nuclear, as a proven, weather-proof, low carbon energy source, could provide the primary energy needs of the future synthetic fuels market, projected to be worth $600bn globally by 2050.

Synthetic fuels offer a low carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels like diesel and jet fuel, by relying on carbon dioxide obtained from the environment and low carbon hydrogen feedstock to synthesise fuels. Their carbon neutrality and the unlimited availability of feedstock makes them a viable alternative to fossil fuels but are reliant on large amounts of clean power in the production process.

Dr Phil Rogers, Director of Equilibrion, said: “The UK needs to take this opportunity and outline a pathway to economy-scale production and the near-term actions government and industry need to take to deliver on the vision.”

The paper makes seven recommendations, including the inclusion of nuclear enabled synthetic fuels in the UK Government’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate, guaranteeing it equal status with other technologies such as renewable-produced synthetic fuels and bio-fuels.

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:  “Nuclear energy can play a crucial role in providing the primary energy to support the decarbonisation of sectors which are currently almost entirely reliant on fossil fuels. Nuclear is completely unique in providing low carbon electricity and heat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whatever the weather."

“Immediate action to decarbonise hard to abate industries is now crucial if we are to reach net zero and meet energy security targets. The UK must take this golden opportunity to be a global leader and we stand ready to provide the energy that the market needs.”

Find out more here.