Wärtsilä and Raizen will test ethanol as a marine fuel

Finnish marine engine maker Wärtsilä and Brazillian energy firm Raizen will explore using ethanol as a bunker fuel alternative to methanol.

PHOTO: Wärtsilä's methanol dual-fuel engine. Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä already produces methanol dual-fuel marine engines. The two companies will now explore using Raizen's first- and second-generation ethanol as a methanol alternative in these engines.

Ethanol is produced from cellulose in agricultural wastes or biomass. Since its chemical and physical properties are very similar to methanol, it has the potential to replace methanol as an engine fuel.

Methanol (11-12°C) and ethanol (13°C) are both liquid fuels with low flash points. Furthermore, their low cetane number makes them harder to ignite and burn than fossil fuels. This means that combustion engines powered by methanol or ethanol will require a small amount of pilot fuel, such as diesel, for ignition.

Raizen’s first-generation ethanol is derived from sugarcane and second-generation is produced from waste products such as sugarcane bagasse and straw.

Raizen claims its first-generation ethanol emits 80% less carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to fossil fuels and second-generation ethanol is "carbon negative".

A carbon negative fuel emits less CO2 during combustion as compared to carbon removed during its production.

“In addition, it also provides greater flexibility and optionality as the market moves towards a mix of fuel alternatives with lower emissions,” it adds.

By Konica Bhatt

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