Groundbreaking Initiative Advances Sustainability and Energy Independence in Sweden
Berlin, October 23rd 2024 — P1 Fuels, a leader in 100% fossil-free fuels production for internal combustion engines, proudly announces the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Gotland Ring, the world’s first and most sustainable race circuit, to develop a decentralized eFuel production plant on the Gotland Island, Sweden, an eco-region. This landmark project marks a significant stride towards energy independence and sustainability for the region.
The partnership aims to harness Gotland Island’s abundant renewable energy resources to produce eFuel, supporting global sustainability initiatives and contributing to achieving climate goals through diverse decarbonization solutions.
‘While battery electric propulsion and energy storage are crucial, e-fuels are an essential complement for both propulsion and energy storage. Internal combustion engine technology can be made sustainable with e-fuels, which will also be necessary for vessels and aircraft in the future to mitigate climate change,’ explains Alec Arho-Havrén, founder & circuit architect of Gotland Ring and the founding chairman of the World Ecological Forum.
The World Ecological Forum and Gotland Ring have been instrumental in advancing smart infrastructure and e-mobility, including initiating SmartRoad Gotland, the world’s first electric road system with dynamic charging on a public road. The collaboration with P1 Fuels extends these efforts, promoting a significant leap toward decarbonizing mobility.
Martin Popilka, CEO of P1 Fuels, describes the initiative as a milestone: ‘Our scalable, low-CAPEX technology enables the production of eFuels precisely where needed, achieving up to 95% GHG reduction compared to conventional fossil fuels.’
— ‘GotlandRing is excited about this collaboration that will make it the first race track to provide production and distribution of P1 Fuels’ unique, sustainable fuel. This will complement the already existing 400 kW ultrafast supercharging network at GotlandRing. Industry and enthusiasts can find sustainable propulsion for all vehicles driving at the 7.3 km picturesque race & test circuit, built in a former limestone quarry.’, Alec Arho Havrén reiterates.
At GotlandRing, an abundance of green energy will be available for e-fuel production. Wind power is dominating the energy mix, but now even a new 20 MW solar park, initiated by the World Ecological Forum, is being built approx. 3 km from GotlandRing. Additionally, GotlandRing will have access to energy from an additional solar park, partly even inside the race track. In the future, local industries will be candidates for providing C0₂ for the e-fuel production.
— ‘In addition to the critical mission of decarbonizing transport, energy independence and societal resilience are also crucial for the region. When all fossil fuels, including diesel, are phased out, we need an alternative energy solution to protect us from vulnerabilities of the electric grid. The national defence and NATO ought to have an interest in this type of local production.’, Alec Arho-Havrén comments.
— ‘Battery electric propulsion and energy storage are vital solutions; however, we need a complement provided by e-fuels – both for propulsion and energy storage. Internal combustion engine technology can function sustainably through this solution. In the near future, even vessels and aircraft will have to use various types of e-fuels. Otherwise, climate change can certainly not be mitigated.’ explains Alec Arho-Havrén.
GotlandRing, together with the World Ecological Forum, has been actively involved in the development of smart infrastructure and e-mobility, advocating for sustainability awareness. GotlandRing and WEF initiated SmartRoad Gotland, the world’s first electric road system with dynamic charging on a public road, by bringing together consortium partners. The P1 Fuels cooperation is an appropriate continuum of these efforts for decarbonizing mobility.
Strategic Benefits and Project Details
- Prime Location: The Eco-Region of Gotland’s (the largest island in the Baltic Sea) strategic position and access to renewable energy make it an ideal site for the eFuel production plant.
- Sustainability Focus: The plant will utilize renewable energy sources to produce eFuel, significantly reducing carbon emissions and enhancing regional energy independence.
- Local and Regional Impact: Initially, the plant will supply eFuel to Gotland Ring, with plans to collaborate with the local government to expand the supply across the island and beyond, furthering energy security, resilience, and sustainability.
Current Status and Next Steps
- LOI Signed: A formal commitment to the project has been established.
- Feasibility Study: A comprehensive study will evaluate existing infrastructure, determine fuel production requirements, and outline a detailed project timeline.
P1 Fuels and Gotland Ring invite potential investors and partners to engage in this transformative project, aimed at setting a new benchmark in sustainable energy production and regional energy independence.
About P1 Fuels
P1 Fuels is dedicated to developing and delivering cutting-edge sustainable fuel solutions. Focused on environmental responsibility and energy independence, P1 Fuels is at the forefront of the eFuel industry, driving innovation and sustainability in energy production.
About Gotland Ring
Gotland Ring, located on the island of Gotland in Sweden, is a premier racing track known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Since 2021, it is also the longest permanent modern standard race circuit with its new 7.3 km configuration. For more information, visit Gotland Ring’s website.