Renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) are pure renewable hydrogen or synthetic fuels produced from renewable hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) or nitrogen (N₂). They represent a key solution to decarbonise transport and industry, where direct electrification is not viable. RFNBO can deliver over 70% greenhouse gas savings compared to fossil fuels, while using part of the existing energy infrastructure. Currently, the best market options, such as e-methanol, ekerosene, e-ammonia, and e-methane, have reached Technology Readiness Levels 6–8, with early commercial projects operating in Germany and Denmark. Despite this progress, the limited supply of renewable hydrogen, low penetration of carbon capture technologies, and high capital and operating costs still constrain competitiveness. Supported by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), ReFuelEU Aviation, FuelEU Maritime, and the Net-Zero Industry Act, EU policy provides a strong framework for large-scale production by 2050. The EU maintains a global leadership in research and demonstration and has promoted several support mechanisms for accelerating the industry developments.

BUFFI Marco;  MOTOLA Vincenzo;  REJTHAROVA Jana;  HURTIG Oliver;  SCARLAT Nicolae;  MOUNTRAKI Aikaterini;  GEORGAKAKI Aliki;  SALVUCCI Raffaele;  SCHADE Burkhard;  RÓZSAI Máté;  SCHMITZ Andreas; 

2026-01-14

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC144471

978-92-68-34805-5 (online),   

1831-9424 (online),   

EUR 40571,    OP KJ-01-25-626-EN-N (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC144471,   

10.2760/3760952 (online),