Future fuels: Power engines with clean energy
In a climate-neutral future not all processes can be electrified: For example, large ocean-going vessels cannot be powered by batteries or fuel cells, they still need to rely on combustion engines on their journey towards a climate-neutral future. Making shipping more environmentally friendly is possible, however, by decarbonizing the fuels used in internal combustion engines. We are spearheading technologies like fuel-flexible engines and propulsion systems that will contribute to a carbon-neutral future.
For future power generation, MAN Energy Solution focuses on future-proof gas- and dual-fuel engines that can be operated with increasing proportions of green hydrogen and other climate-neutral fuels. Learn more about the different kinds of alternative fuels, e-fuel engines and the technology behind them.
What is future fuel?
Future fuel is the term for fuels that are climate-neutral and therefore a base for the sustainable future. To reach carbon neutrality, the future belongs to climate-neutral fuels produced from green hydrogen and renewable energy sources. These fuels include synthetic natural gas (methane), green ammonia and methanol as well as hydrogen for short-distance transportation. Even though not produced from renewable energy sources, the mid-term fuel-mix currently also includes transition fuel types, such as LNG.
Ammonia
Ammonia
Ammonia is a synthetic fuel that can be produced with green hydrogen by adding nitrogen. It is completely carbon-free.
Benefits:
- zero CO2 emissions released during combustion
- relatively easy to store
Engine: Two-Stroke engines
Usage: Container vessels
Learn more about ammoniaBiofuel
Biofuel
Biofuels are produced from biomass and cover a range of fuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel.
Benefits:
- fully renewable and nearly 100% CO2 neutral
- easy transport, storage, and handling
- ·no new fuel infrastructure needed
Engine: Two-stroke, four-stroke
Usage: Tankers, container vessels, bulk carriers, RoRo vessels
Learn more about biofuelHydrogen
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the simplest and most basic renewable fuel generated by electrolysis. It is carbon-free with potential for the lowest emissions from the combustion process.
Benefits:
- no GHG emissions
- can be used as media for other synthetic fuels
Engine: Four-stroke
Usage: Vessels with limited range and fixed operation patterns, GenSets, hybrid propulsion plant configurations
Learn more about hydrogenLNG
LNG
LNG stands for liquefied natural gas, natural gas transformed into a liquid state through a cooling process.
Benefits:
- lower SOX, CO2, NOx emissions than fuel oils
- excellent bridging fuel until fully carbon-neutral alternatives are available
Engine: Two-stroke, four-stroke, MAN PrimeServ
Usage: Container vessels, tankers, LNG carriers, Bulk carriers, RoRo vessels, OSVs, ferries, cruise & fishing vessels
Learn more about LNGSNG
SNG/Biogas
Synthetic natural gas (SNG) can be derived from green hydrogen by adding CO2 in a methanation process
Benefits:
- CO2 neutral when using green hydrogen and biogenic CO2
- can be blended with LNG
- can be used in today’s dual-fuel engines without modifications
Engine: Two-stroke, four-stroke
Usage: Container vessels, tankers, LNG carriers, bulk carriers, RoRo vessels, OSVs, ferries, cruise & fishing vessels
Learn more about SNG
LPG
LPG
LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas. It is extracted from natural gas by absorption and, unlike diesel, can be stored almost infinitely without any degradation.
Benefits:
- close to zero sulfur
- relatively easy to store
- high energy density
Engine: Two-stroke, MAN PrimeServ
Usage: LPG carriers and shuttle tankers, container vessels, bulk carriers, RoRo vessels
Learn more about LPGMethanol
Methanol
Methanol is a biodegradable, clean-burning fuel type that significantly reduces emissions such as particulate matter, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.
Benefits:
- can be produced from renewables and is carbon-neutral
- can be stored at ambient conditions
Engine: Two-stroke, four-stroke
Usage: Tankers carrying methanol as cargo
Learn more about MethanolSynthetic diesel
Synthetic diesel
Synthetic diesel is made by reconfiguring another hydrocarbon fuel, such as natural gas, into liquid diesel fuel.
Benefits:
- cleaner-burning
- reduced NOx & SOx emission levels
- easy handling, transportation & storage
Engine: Two-stroke, four-stroke
Usage: Tankers, container vessels, bulk carriers, RoRo vessel, ferries, yachts, tugboats, fishing vessels
Learn more about synthetic diesel
Our highlight products for future fuel technology
MAN Energy Solutions’ attractive marine and energy generation solutions offer power, flexibility, and efficiency. This allows you to meet growing demands for sustainability, low emissions, and high reliability. Explore our dual-fuel two-stroke MAN B&W ME-LGIM and ME-GI engines, as well as powerful and dynamic gas engines like the MAN 35/44G that are ready to be used with future fuels and perfect for CHP and hybrid power plants
Two-stroke marine engines
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MAN B&W ME-LGIM
The MAN B&W ME-LGIM is a two-stroke, dual fuel engine that runs on both methanol and conventional fuels.
Four-stroke marine engines
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MAN 49/60DF
The new MAN 49/60DF and its fuel flexibility, enabling it to run on LNG, Diesel or HFO, ensure the lowest fuel costs.
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MAN L21/31DF-M
The MAN L21/31DF-M methanol GenSet is the first small-bore dual-fuel methanol GenSet in our portfolio.
Stationary engines
Driving the energy transition on land and sea
MAN Energy Solutions is helping shape the future of the marine and energy industries by developing engines which run on future fuels that will play a crucial role in decarbonization and the energy transition. We have been a pioneer and active driver of the Maritime Energy Transition for many years and are now ramping up the use of alternative fuelsin shipping. Furthermore, our stationary gas engines can be already used in power plants with a 25% hydrogen-blend. 100% hydrogen operation is currently in development.
Future fuels in use
MAN Energy Solutions technology is in use throughout the world. These three examples illustrate the range of activities where future fuels have been successfully implemented in the company’s engines.
Get in touch with our experts
Would you like to learn more about future fuel technologies and how they best meet your needs?
Our global network of dedicated engineers is happy to point out the perfect-fit solution for you and your business. Start your change process toward carbon neutrality now and reach out to us todayFrequently Asked Questions
What is the fuel of the future?
As different fuel alternatives for the future currently exist, there is no definite answer. It depends on the industry and circumstances which alternative fuel is the best for your individual circumstances.
In the short and midterm, biofuels and methanol are expected to take the lead and be most relevant for four-stroke applications in the upcoming years, in parallel to a continuously relevant share of LNG-driven vessels.
Mid to long term, additional fuels, such as NH3 ready or even H2 may gain relevance.
How will fossil fuels be used in the future?
Fossil fuels are not unlimited. Therefore, future fuels are important alternatives. But the change is going to take some time, and it is predicted that until 2040 fossil fuels will still provide 60% of energy.
News about our green engines and future fuels
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Ammonia engine testing
Engineers are developing a two-stroke, dual-fuel ammonia engine that can reduce a ship’s emissions to zero.
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Methanol GenSet
Engineers in Denmark are making shipboard power low-emission with the developing of a four-stroke methanol engine.
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Shipping Decarbonization Study
With revised IMO targets, a new MAN Energy Solutions’ study looks at the best technological and financial options to decarbonize maritime transportation
Strategic expertise for global sustainability
In addition to future fuels, which are part of our future technologies portfolio, we offer digitalization and core products made to last. Leveraging our extensive knowledge in these areas, we are charting the course towards a sustainable future.