In a groundbreaking and innovative move towards greener motorsport, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is set to kick off its new season powered exclusively by eFuels, potentially achieving near-carbon-neutral racing. This ambitious initiative marks a significant stride towards Porsche’s commitment to a sustainable future in motorsport, as the iconic racing series adopts synthetic eFuels derived from the innovative Haru Oni pilot plant.
Scheduled to commence with the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna in Imola on May 19, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will witness up to 32 racing cars fueled solely by eFuels throughout its eight European racing events. This milestone underscores Porsche’s dedication to spearheading a motorsport realm with the best possible net COâ‚‚-neutral balance, positioning itself as a frontrunner in environmental stewardship within the racing community.
Photo: Porsche
The eFuels utilized in the Supercup originate from the pioneering Haru Oni pilot plant, situated in Chile, where renewable energy sources power the conversion of renewable hydrogen and atmospheric carbon dioxide into synthetic raw gasoline through an advanced blending process. By harnessing wind power in the expansive Patagonian region, the project ensures a sustainable energy supply for the production of eFuels, laying the groundwork for a more eco-conscious motorsport landscape.
Porsche eFuel plant in Chile
Michael Steiner, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG, affirms the significance of this venture, stating, “The Supercup is also a beacon for us when it comes to eFuels. Motorsport has always been a driver of innovation – now also in terms of fuel. Through this project, we are taking further steps towards achieving our decarbonization goals.”
Integral to the eFuels production process is the innovative Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, a collaboration between Porsche, the Volkswagen Group, HIF Global, and MAN Energy Solutions. This cutting-edge approach involves extracting carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, facilitating the sustainable production of eFuels while mitigating harmful emissions.
Barbara Frenkel, Executive Board Member for Procurement at Porsche, emphasizes the potential of DAC technology, remarking, “In our view, DAC is an important new technology for the future – particularly for energy extraction… The eFuels produced in this way can help achieve our goals of decarbonizing motorsport.”
eFuels, characterized by their synthetic composition derived from renewable energy sources, serve as a viable complement to electromobility, especially for existing vehicles. Porsche’s substantial investment in eFuels development, including over US$100 million and a strategic partnership with HIF Global LLC, underscores its commitment to driving innovation in sustainable racing solutions.
The industrial production of synthetic eFuels commenced at the Haru Oni pilot plant in Punta Arenas, Chile, in December 2022, leveraging the region’s favorable wind conditions and strategic location near the Strait of Magellan for efficient distribution. With this pioneering approach, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup sets a new standard for environmentally conscious racing, paving the way for a future where performance and sustainability seamlessly coexist on the track.
