Transitional Fuels

Hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels offer critical pathways to decarbonizing sectors such as transportation, aviation, and heavy industry, which are more challenging to electrify. Hydrogen, in particular, shows great potential for large-scale energy storage and industrial use, while biofuels and synthetic fuels—produced from renewable resources—provide immediate solutions that help reduce reliance on petroleum-based fuels.

 

Natural gas is also an important transitional fuel, emitting up to 40% less CO₂ than coal or oil. It is a cleaner option for power generation and industrial applications, especially when sourced and used

locally. Its versatility ensures it can serve as a reliable backup for intermittent renewables like wind and solar, providing grid stability and continuous and dependable energy supplies during the transition.

The research and development process for transitional fuels differs depending on the type of fuel. Natural gas requires exploration through geological surveys and drilling, followed by connection to existing infrastructure for transportation to end-users. In contrast, the development of hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels is often complementary to other renewable energy projects, to create innovative solutions to maximize efficiency and utilize excess energy.

 

Transitional fuels are imperative for maintaining energy reliability, affordability, and security throughout the shift to a sustainable future, providing flexible, near-term, lower-carbon solutions to accelerate the transformation of today’s energy ecosystem toward a greener tomorrow.