​ Bastien Denisart from CEA I-Tésé presented research into future demande for sustainable methanol and kerosene, as well as the associated scaling up of the value chain !

As part of Work Package 1, they explored how nuclear energy could support the large-scale production of e-fuels: synthetic fuels produced from low-carbon hydrogen and captured CO₂. These drop-in alternatives to fossil fuels, including e-kerosene and e-methanol, could play a crucial role in decarbonizing aviation, shipping, and industry while strengthening Europe's energy security.

By 2030, demand for e-fuels is expected to be driven primarily by the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, accelerating the need for e-kerosene and, indirectly, e-methanol. The analysis shows that very large e-fuel plants would require enormous amounts of low-carbon energy - potentially the output of dedicated nuclear power plants with several reactors.

A more likely pathway is the deployment of a network of medium-sized e-methanol plants across Europe, supplying industry and transport sectors while benefiting from methanol’s ease of storage and transport. These decentralized facilities present energy demand compatible with the supply potential of a large SMR, combining reliable low-carbon electricity with the potential use of cogenerated heat.

Based on the demand scenarios assessed, Europe could require between 225 and 450 medium-sized e-methanol plants by 2050, representing an important challenge in terms of energy supply and the scale-up of e-fuel economy.

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