Until now, non fossil fuels have only been derivated from biomass, and now everyone agrees quantitative potentials are limited and insufficient. The futur of non-fossil-based synthetic fuels will have to rely on the development of atmospheric CO2 capture. Such sources of carbon are meant to be « off-ground », thus lowering the impacts on environment, biodiversity …
The leading start-up in Europe CLIMEWORKS ( Orca an Mamooth, 4 to 5 tonne of CO2 captured per hour ) has set hitself the target of 200 € per tonne captured in the atmosphere, as early as 2030, which would allow it to gradually obtain non-fossil synthetic fuels at a reasonable cost, no more than 2 €/liter.
Since September 2023, Europe has recognized the legal existence and necessity of these carbon derivatives under the name RFNBO ( Renewable Fuels of Non Biological Origin ).