A comparative cost/benefit and energy balance analysis addresses the critical scientific and technical challenges that impact the economic feasibility of synthesizing up to 100 000 gal per day of jet fuel at sea using carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) from the sea. Included in this analysis are the capital cost, operation and maintenance, and electrical generation cost for synthesizing jet fuel at sea using either ocean thermal energy conversion or nuclear power processes as the energy source. The results suggest that jet fuel could be produced at sea for $3 to $6/gal. Comparing these costs with current and historical prices of fuel purchased by the Department of Defense provides insight into the economic and operational benefits of a sea-based fuel synthesis process for the Navy.

Topics
Synthetic fuel, Diesel fuel, Energy production, transmission and distribution, Fossil fuels, Petroleum, Nuclear energy, Renewable energy, Combustion engine, Chemical elements, Chemical compounds
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© 2012 American Institute of Physics.
2012
American Institute of Physics
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