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The U.S. could switch to synthetic fuels
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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A team of scientists from Princeton University has concluded that the United States of America could switch to the production of synthetic fuels and stop importing crude oil.
Experts say that in the next 30-40 years, synthetic fuels produced from natural gas, coal and biomass will become economically viable.
Experts say that in addition to the fact that the US will be able to reduce its economy's dependence on imported crude oil by switching to the production of synthetic fuel, this will also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.
“Another important aspect of the rejection of mineral fuel is that synthetic fuel is almost identical to the fuel obtained by distilling oil and used to operate engines running on diesel fuel, classic gasoline and aviation kerosene,” says Christodoulos Floudas, lead author of the study and professor at Princeton University.
Experts analyzed several models of switching to synthetic fuel, taking into account how economically justified this transition will be, and whether it will be possible to synthesize a sufficient amount of fuel to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by half. As a result of the research, scientists came to the conclusion that this is absolutely real.
However, a complete transition to the use and production of synthetic fuel will require a lot of time and investment. According to scientists, the volume of investment is approximately equal to 1.1 trillion dollars.
The process of producing synthetic fuel was invented back in the twenties of the last century. However, it never became popular due to high production costs. Scientists decided to recall this method now due to high oil prices, which have increased significantly compared to the last century.
The researchers say their proposal may seem fanciful and may be taken lightly, but it is still worth considering because it could help American producers avoid high oil prices if that were to happen.
The average price of a barrel of synthetic fuel will be about $96. This is quite a reasonable price, given the current cost of oil.
The authors of the work came to the conclusion that in order to fully satisfy the US demand for lubricants and fuel, it is necessary to create 130 plants specializing in the production of synthetic fuel. They should be located as close as possible to sources of raw materials. According to the model developed by scientists, the largest number of plants should be based in Texas, but the productivity of these plants will be average due to the peculiarities of agricultural production.
To implement the scientists’ plan, powerful support from the state is needed.