Winning titles ‘with little smoke’: 10 keys to competitive biofuels

In the motor world there are dozens of engineers focused on getting their drivers to cross the finish line first. A very important part of them, in addition, aspires to something more than a first place. In Le Mans, in MotoGP or in Dakar, not everything goes to win, on the contrary. Whoever does it with a few ‘fumes’ gets another prize: may the planet win. How? For example, using non-fossil fuel that emits less carbon emissions.

The conspiracy is such that by 2024 the fuel of all MotoGP categories will have at least 40% of non-fossil origin while by 2027, the fuel will be 100% of non-fossil origin. As highlighted Maria Dolores CardenasProduct Design Consultant in the area of Repsol’s Mobility and Energy Transitionis the fuel of the future: “Along with electrification or renewable hydrogen, renewable fuels are complementary solutions to decarbonise mobility”.

1- Test bench for a decade

Some competitions such as F1 have been incorporating renewable fuels for more than a decade. These renewable fuels, whether of biological origin (biofuels) or not (synthetic fuels or e-fuels), are a means of reducing net CO2 emissions, compatible with the thermal engines that currently drive vehicles in these circuit. “The world of competition allows us to accelerate development cycles to get the best product,” he shares. Cardenas.

two- A reality based on reality

Renewable fuels are already part of some competitions. For example, Repsol has already used its biofuel in ‘raids’: in the 2021 Morocco Rally and in the 2022 Dakar, with fuel with 50% advanced biofuel content for the Repsol Rally Team, a team in which it competes with the Spanish pilot. Isidre Esteve Also in Dakar, in this case in the truck category, the KH7 Epsilon Team used 100% renewable diesel. And not all is reduced to the world of rallies. It is also used in speed competitions, such as the French F4, which in 2022 will start using fuel containing 100% biofuel produced and supplied by Repsol from its Technology Lab in Madrid.

3- Renewable fuels: where do they come from?

The biofuels used today for gasoline competition are advanced biofuels. They are made from waste of different origins: forestry, agri-food or from the organic part of solid urban waste, etc. “We are talking about waste that otherwise needs to be managed and often ends up in landfills,” explained the man in charge of Repsol’s line of low-carbon footprint products.

4- What types of renewable fuels are there?

Along with biofuel from waste, there are synthetic fuels or e-fuels made by removing CO2 from the atmosphere and producing renewable hydrogen with an almost zero carbon footprint. “Both (biofuels and synthetic fuels) are very similar to the ones we use today and that makes them compatible, pure or in mixtures, with logistics, refueling points and thermal engines that move vehicles in circuits and in roads,” Cardenas points out.

5- 90% less CO2 emissions

Advanced biofuels can reduce net CO2 emissions by 90% and synthetic fuels almost zero footprint (net CO2 emission reduction of 100%). On the other hand, by giving waste a second life as fuel, it also contributes to the circular economy. “Having a low carbon footprint is synonymous with protecting the environment, and, effectively, maintaining speed and performance,” they clarify from Repsol.

6- Compatible with logistics and thermal engines

With competitive performance equivalent to conventional fuels, the great advantage that renewable fuel represents over other solutions is that there is no need to change anything in logistics (refueling, distribution) or in the vehicle’s engines. “These renewable fuels can be used to achieve the same performance while reducing net CO2 emissions,” confirmed Cárdenas.

7- Each competition has its own biofuel

Each competition specifies its own fuel specification detailing its characteristics and permissible limits. The minimum content of renewable components that must contain fuel has been established, for example, in MotoGP the minimum content will be 40% in 2024 and 100% in 2027.

The International Automobile Federation’s firm commitment to gradually introduce biofuels to all motor competitions operating under its mantle is well known. The highest motor body already applies in most competitions its regulation for the use of non-fossil fuels.

8- What is MotoGP’s role in energy transfer?

Motor racing and, in particular, MotoGP, is a fantastic opportunity to test renewable fuel developments in the most demanding engine conditions. Competition enables rapid testing of innovative technologies. “But apart from the technological level and the entertainment of the viewer, it is a very effective and direct way of bringing developments to the public that will be transferred to commercial products,” Cárdenas values.

9- From the paddock to the market

Proven renewable fuels have been incorporated into the fuels we all use. For example, in this year 2022 at least 10% must be included. “As has happened in previous years, this percentage will gradually increase as a complementary solution to electrification and hydrogen to decarbonize transportation,” he explained. Maria Dolores Cardenas.

10- In search of clean engine

All actors involved in motor competitions are increasingly focused on the need to reduce CO2 emissions. More and more effort and resources are being devoted to developing technologies that reduce the carbon footprint. A challenge that must be faced from all areas and in which the motor sport industry plays a very important role.