Options for multilateral initiatives to close the global 2030 climate ambition and action gap. Policy field synthetic e-fuels

Achieving the Paris Agreement long-term temperature goal requires closing the ambition and action gap. G20 countries have a crucial role to play in realising increased climate policy ambition. Synthetic electro fuels (e-fuels) were identified as one of the key policy areas and promising options for intergovernmental cooperation between the G20 nations. This policy paper provides a comprehensive but condensed analysis of the current landscape of the promotion of synthetic e-fuels. It provides concrete policy recommendations to improve existing and develop future initiatives in the area of production and use of synthetic post-fossil fuels. In the context of an overall decarbonisation of the energy system, the paper focuses on aviation and maritime transport and the role of green hydrogen for indirect electrification of industry sectors in addition to direct electrification. Based on the analysis of already existing initiatives four new initiatives for the promotion of an accelerated uptake of synthetic e-fuels are suggested: a Sustainable e-Kerosene Alliance, a Sustainable e-fuel Alliance for Maritime Shipping, a Hard-to-Abate Sector Partnership and finally a Global supply-demand-partnership.