Audi to Build Test Plant for E-Diesel Fuel

Audi AG plans to construct a pilot facility in Laufenburg, Switzerland, to produce and test a newly developed synthetic diesel (e-diesel) fuel.

Audi is partnering with Ineratec GmbH and Energiedienst Holding AG on the facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. At full capacity, the plant will be capable of producing more than 105,000 gallons of e-diesel per year.

Using a “power-to-liquid” process, the plant will convert energy generated by an onsite hydroelectric station into the synthetic fuel. The power station produces hydrogen and oxygen from water through electrolysis. The hydrogen then is exposed to carbon dioxide via a proprietary microprocess technology to form long-chain hydrocarbon compounds that are separated to generate the e-diesel fuel. A residual wax also can be reused for chemical, cosmetic and food industry applications, according to Audi.

The carmaker also is testing e-gas synthetic methane and e-benzin synthetic gasoline. Audi says the renewable energy e-fuel process has the potential to essentially make conventional piston engines CO₂ neutral.