North America E-Fuels Market Outlook, 2029

The North American e-fuel market is a thriving industry centred on the manufacture and sale of synthetic fuels produced from renewable energy sources. E-fuels, also known as electrofuels, are created via a method called Power-to-X (PtX), which converts electricity from renewable sources into liquid or gaseous fuels. This market is being driven by rising demand for environmentally friendly and low-carbon alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, notably in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. In North America, early measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy independence were frequently supported by government financing and research grants.

The COVID-19 epidemic had a mixed effect on North America's e-fuel business. Initially, the pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and delays in project implementation.. However, the crisis also revealed the vulnerability of existing energy systems, hastening the move to more resilient and sustainable energy sources. Government stimulus programs, such as the American Rescue Plan Act, included money for clean energy expenditures, which indirectly benefitted the e-fuel industry. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) are two key regulatory entities.

These bodies establish rules for fuel quality, pollution, and the usage of renewable energy sources. Compliance with these rules is critical for market players since it guarantees that their products meet environmental and safety requirements.Innovations in Power-to-Gas (PtG) and Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technologies are making e-fuel generation more affordable and environmentally beneficial.

According to the research report "North America E-Fuel Market Overview, 2029,", the North American e-fuel market was valued at more than USD 3.06 billion in 2023. The North American e-fuel market is dominated by a mix of existing energy businesses, technology startups, and research organisations. Key players include ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron, which are substantially investing in e-fuel technology as part of their overall sustainability plans. Carbon Engineering and Prometheus Fuels are two technology startups that are making substantial contributions to the industry with their novel e-fuel production processes.

Shell has collaborated with several technology companies to create and expand e-fuel production plants. Similarly, universities and research institutes are working with industry leaders to enhance the science and technology of e-fuel generation. While the region has considerable potential for e-fuel production, it nevertheless depends on imports to meet rising demand. Key import sources include Europe, which has improved e-fuel manufacturing, and Asia, which is developing as a significant participant in the renewable energy sector.

North American exports largely target places with limited renewable energy supplies, such as Africa and the Middle East.The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has provisions that promote the trading of clean energy products, including e-fuels, across North America. Equipment and systems for e-fuel generation are available from technology vendors, including electrolysers, reactors, and control systems. Service providers provide a wide range of services, including engineering, construction, and maintenance/support. The increased need for sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions, notably in the transportation and industrial sectors, is driving market growth.

Market Drivers

Environmental Concerns: The pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is pushing up demand for low-carbon fuels such as e-fuels. E-fuels burn more cleanly than traditional fossil fuels, helping to improve air quality and public health.

Growing Wind and Solar Power: The increasing capacity of renewable energy sources is supplying the electricity required for e-fuel manufacture. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy generation in the United States has been gradually expanding, opening up potential for e-fuel manufacturing.

Net-zero commitments: Many businesses are setting ambitious net-zero emission targets, which is increasing demand for low-carbon fuels such as e-fuels. Initiatives such as the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

Market Challenges

E-fuel production costs: They are now higher than traditional fossil fuels, making them less competitive in the market.The initial expenditure necessary for e-fuel manufacturing facilities is significant, creating a barrier to entry for new companies.

Infrastructure Limitations: The current fuel distribution infrastructure is primarily geared for fossil fuels, and changing it to e-fuels can be difficult and expensive. E-fuels necessitate specialised storage and transportation methods, which are not currently commonly available.

Regulatory Uncertainty: Changes in government rules and regulations can cause uncertainty, making it difficult for businesses to plan long-term investments in e-fuel production.Trade rules and tariffs can affect the import and export of e-fuels, influencing market dynamics.

Market Trends

Integration with Renewable Energy Sources: E-fuel production is increasingly being combined with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Ørsted is studying the use of offshore wind power for e-fuel generation.E-fuels are utilised as a type of energy storage, allowing excess renewable energy to be stored and used as needed.

Advancements in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU): Carbon-neutral e-fuel production is now possible because to advances in CCU technology. Companies such as Carbon Engineering are at the forefront of these advancements. The utilisation of collected carbon dioxide in e-fuel generation accords with circular economy ideas, which aim to reduce waste and pollution.

Among the numerous end users of e-fuels in North America, aviation and marine are now leading the market.

This is primarily due to international rules' high emission reduction targets and rising demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels in these industries. The airline industry faces enormous pressure to decrease its carbon footprint, with efforts such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International airline (CORSIA) boosting demand for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). E-fuels, particularly synthetic jet fuels, represent a possible approach for decarbonising aviation. Companies such as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are actively researching the usage of e-fuels to achieve their sustainability objectives.

ExxonMobil, one of the world's major oil and gas firms, is making significant investments in low-carbon technologies such as e-fuel. As part of its overall sustainability plan, the business is looking into developing synthetic fuels from renewable energy sources. Chevron, a key participant in the energy sector, is aggressively developing e-fuel technology.

The corporation is working with a variety of partners to develop the generation of synthetic fuels and lower the carbon footprint of its activities. While the automotive industry is studying the usage of e-fuels, vehicle electrification is currently the leading trend for decreasing emissions. The industrial and railway industries are also researching e-fuels as part of their decarbonisation initiatives, but adoption is not widespread.

Among the numerous end users of e-fuels in North America, transportation now dominates the market.

This is motivated by the critical need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, which is one of the most significant contributors to world emissions. The transportation sector's need for e-fuels is especially high in aviation and marine applications, where electrification is more difficult than in road vehicles. The aviation sector is under enormous pressure to reduce carbon emissions, with synthetic jet fuels emerging as a potential alternative. Similarly, the marine sector is looking into e-fuels such as synthetic methanol and ammonia to meet the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) rigorous emission reduction requirements.

As one of the world's top energy firms, ExxonMobil is investing in low-carbon technologies such as e-fuels. The corporation is studying the development of synthetic fuels from renewable energy sources in order to lower its carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Chevron, a key participant in the energy sector, is aggressively developing e-fuel technology.

Chevron's efforts in e-fuels are part of a larger strategy to lower its carbon footprint and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.The industrial sector is also a major user of e-fuels, motivated by the desire to cut emissions from manufacturing processes and heavy machinery. E-fuels can be used to generate electricity as well as to store energy.

E-kerosene (Synthetic Aviation Fuel) is now the most popular e-fuel in the North American market.

This is primarily motivated by the aviation industry's pressing need to decrease its carbon footprint and fulfil tough emissions standards. The aviation industry has substantial obstacles in decarbonising due to high energy density needs and a lack of feasible electric options for long-haul flights. E-kerosene presents a possible option by serving as a drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel, allowing airlines to reduce emissions without requiring large infrastructure changes. The market for e-kerosene is being driven by initiatives such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and airlines' increased commitment to achieving net zero emissions.

Major airlines, including United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, are actively researching the usage of e-kerosene to satisfy their sustainability objectives. E-kerosene is produced by converting renewable electricity, water, and collected carbon dioxide into synthetic jet fuel, which results in a considerable reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. As one of the world's top energy firms, ExxonMobil is investing in low-carbon technologies such as e-fuels. The company is looking at producing synthetic fuels like e-kerosene and e-diesel using renewable energy sources.

ExxonMobil's efforts in e-fuels are part of a larger strategy to lower its carbon footprint and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.E-diesel and e-gasoline are increasingly gaining popularity, notably in the road transport industry. E-diesel is a synthetic diesel fuel derived from renewable energy sources that provides a low-carbon alternative to traditional diesel.

Hydrogen Technology (Electrolysis) now leads the North American e-fuel market.

This technology is in the forefront due to its adaptability, scalability, and substantial improvements in recent years.Electrolysis is the use of electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen created can then be utilised as a feedstock for e-fuel production methods such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, which produces synthetic fuels such as e-kerosene, e-diesel, and e-gasoline.A variety of variables contribute to electrolysis' supremacy. For starters, the technology has witnessed significant gains in efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it more feasible for large-scale e-fuel generation.

Second, the increasing availability of renewable electrical sources, such as wind and solar power, provides a long-term, low-carbon supply of energy for electrolysis. Nel Hydrogen, headquartered in Norway but with large operations in North America, is a leading provider of electrolysis technology. The company specialises in the design and manufacture of electrolysers used to generate hydrogen from water using renewable energy. Nel Hydrogen's sophisticated electrolysis technology is critical to the manufacture of e-fuels, propelling the company to the forefront of the North American e-fuel business.

FT technology is well-established and widely utilised in the synthesis of synthetic fuels; nevertheless, its acceptance in the e-fuel sector is hampered by greater capital and operational expenses when compared to electrolysis. While RWGS shows promise, it is still in the development and demonstration stages, with continuous research aimed at increasing efficiency and scalability.

In the North American e-fuel market, the United States now leads.

Several major variables contribute to the United States' leadership position in e-fuel development and usage. The United States has developed a variety of laws and incentives to encourage the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels. Initiatives such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program require the incorporation of renewable fuels into transportation fuel, which increases demand for e-fuels. Furthermore, tax breaks and incentives for the development and usage of renewable fuels make e-fuels more economically viable. The United States is home to various innovative companies and research institutions that are at the forefront of e-fuel technology advancement.

ExxonMobil, Chevron, and technological firms such as Prometheus Fuels and Carbon Engineering are at the forefront of developing e-fuel production technologies. The United States has a huge and expanding renewable energy capacity, which is critical for the manufacture of e-fuel. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy generation in the United States has been gradually expanding, owing to investments in wind and solar power.

The United States has a high need for low-carbon fuels, especially in the transportation sector. The aviation and maritime industries are under pressure to decrease their carbon footprints, and e-fuels present a possible alternative. Major airlines and shipping businesses are currently researching the usage of e-fuels to achieve their sustainability objectives.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• E-fuels market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By End-use

• Aviation
• Marine
• Industrial
• Railway
• Automotive
• Others

By Application

• Transportation
• Industrial
• Power Generation
• Others

By Type of E-fuel

• E-kerosene (Synthetic Aviation Fuel)
• E-diesel
• E-gasoline
• E-methanol
• Other Hydrocarbons

By Technology

• Hydrogen technology (Electrolysis)
• Fischer-Tropsch
• Reverse-Water-Gas-Shift (RWGS)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the E-fuels industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.