Unpacking Power-to-X in the Sustainability Transition – RSB publishes new guide on PTX
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As interest in Power-to-X (PtX) technologies from stakeholders across industry and civil society grows, and questions around both the potential and risks associated with the technology, RSB has been working with its stakeholder community via the RSB PtX Platform to develop robust and consistent sustainability requirements. These requirements were formalised and adopted into the RSB Standard for Advanced Fuels in December 2022 by the RSB Assembly of Delegates.
RSB’s approach for PTX is grounded in best-in-class sustainability and addresses four key areas of potential impact in this emerging technology: renewable electricity, carbon sources, water sources and GHG emissions.
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Demonstrating sustainability in PTX technology
Renewable electricity
The energy source for the “P” in PTX must be renewable and sustainable – energy should not be produced in ways that might impact ecosystems or communities negatively.
Carbon sources
Carbon for the PTX process can come from sources including biogenic and non-biogenic carbon captured from industrial and geological sources. Sustainability must be ensured.
Water sources
The water used in the PTX process must come from sustainable sources, able to demonstrate that they ensure the availability of quality water at their source and respect local water rights. Where desalination is used to obtain water, the GHG emissions must be accounted for.
GHG emissions
Carbon lifecycle assessments, including the renewable electricity, carbon source and water (if from desalination), must be conducted to ensure SAF from PTX is able to demonstrate reduced carbon emissions.
More details are in the ‘RSB Handbook: Power-to-X in the Sustainability Transition’
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The publication of the RSB Handbook: Power-to-X in the Sustainability Transition aims to support RSB’s membership community and other interested parties, including policy-makers, producers and NGOs, with access to guidance on how we can ensure that the growth of PTX technology is truly sustainable and contributes to global climate goals.
What’s in this document:
• An introduction to PTX
• The opportunities presented by PTX
• How the technology works
• Key definitions and RSB’s approach for applying sustainability requirements
• An overview of the key sustainability requirements applicable for PTX
This handbook has been made publicly available, as part of RSB’s PtX Platform, a membership initiative to convene stakeholders and experts on PtX technology sustainability. It will support its users in applying best practices to address and reduce sustainability risks related to PtX technologies, particularly for the aviation and shipping industries.
Click here to read the RSB Handbook: Power-to-X in the Sustainability Transition.
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