<article><p class="lead">E-methanol is touted by the marine fuel industry as a sustainable marine fuel option. But without "additionality", greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of e-methanol can be higher than that of fossil marine fuels.</p><p>"Additionality" is the concept that only brand new renewable energy projects can be used to power the electrolysers used to produce hydrogen that feeds into e-methanol. Existing renewable energy is already needed by the electricity grid and taking it away for new electrolysers will lead to its replacement by fossil fuel-fired power plants, which in turn would lead to increased GHG emissions. </p><p>With additionality, e-methanol GHG emissions are negligible, Yuanrong Zhou, researcher with independent, nonprofit organization International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) said at the <i>Argus</i> Sustainable Marine Fuels conference in Houston. Without additionality, e-methanol GHG emissions can reach about 220-230 grams of CO2-equivalent per megajoule (gCO2/MJ) compared with less than 100 gCO2e/MJ emissions from conventional marine gasoil. This underscores the need for robust policy and regulation for additionality requirements for producing e-fuels, Zhou added. </p><p class="bylines">By Stefka Wechsler</p></article>
