Overview

The JVCEC is proud to host the final event of ChemEngConnect as a hybrid session, held in person at APSO, Exchange Tower, and followed by a networking opportunity. Join us as Rhys Tucker, Chief Technology Officer at ABEL Energy, presents E-Fuels: Opportunities and Challenges.​​

E-fuels, or electrofuels, are synthetic fuels created using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydro power. They are designed to replace traditional fossil fuels in internal combustion engines, offering a more sustainable alternative. The production process involves capturing carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide and combining it with hydrogen obtained through water electrolysis to produce fuels such as green methanol, diesel, or Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Alternatively, new fuels such as ammonia can be produced using electrolytic hydrogen and atmospheric nitrogen.

One of the key advantages of e-fuels is their low carbon footprint. The carbon dioxide used in their production is released back into the atmosphere when the fuel is burned, creating a cycle that minimises new greenhouse gas emissions.

However, e-fuels face challenges such as high production costs and energy-intensive processes. Scaling up production to meet global demand is another hurdle. Despite these challenges, e-fuels are seen as a promising solution for sectors like aviation, shipping, and long-distance transport, where electrification is less feasible.

The presentation will provide an overview of e-fuels and the opportunities and challenges in the development of this new sector.

Speaker

Rhys Tucker, Chief Technology Officer, ABEL Energy

Rhys is the Chief Technology Officer at ABEL Energy, an Australian green hydrogen and green methanol project developer. With a background in chemical engineering, Rhys has extensive experience in gasification, hydrogen electrolysis, and methanol synthesis technologies. He has worked with globally recognised OEM, engineering and operating firms, bringing a wealth of technical knowledge and a strong network to ABEL Energy. Rhys is instrumental in delivering the technology solutions required for ABEL Energy's projects, including the flagship Bell Bay Powerfuels Project

Rhys is a Fellow of the IChemE and a former Chair of the IChemE Australian Board.

Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Victoria Member Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

17:00–19:00 AEST.

Agenda

• 16:45 – Doors open 
• 17:00 – Session begins
• 17:45 – Q&A Session: 
• 18:00 – Presentation ends
• 18:00 – Networking
• 19:00 – Event close

Price

Price includes GST.

• Member: Free
• Non-member: $10.00
• Student and early career researchers: Free

Software

The presentation will be delivered both in person and via OnAir. To watch the session online, please register for the ChemEngConnect conference and access it through the OnAir platform.

Webinar archive

This webinar is free of charge and open to all to attend, but if you wish to access the slides and a recording to replay on demand then you will need to be a member of IChemE.

Register to attend online.

Register to attend

Register to attend in person.