Gasoline and diesel are expected to continue to be the major road transport fuels at least through to 2030. The next generation engines will be more efficient and designed to emit much less carbon dioxide per mile. In order to achieve these low levels of emissions, the modern technologies depend on the widespread availability of ultra-clean gasoline and diesel fuels, which means further significant investment in the global refinery system.

GTL fuels engine manufacturers are able to develop new improved engine technologies with better performance and lower emissions. The technologies to manufacture GTL – at crude oil refineries – and to distribute them to end-users through pipelines, road and rail tankers are well-known, cost-effective, and largely in place.

In the short to medium term, it is likely that gasoline and diesel will increasingly contain – and may in certain circumstances be replaced by – blend components which are derived from primary sources other than crude oil, such as gas-to-Liquids and bio-fuels. Such components will be used as a cost-effective way to offer benefits in terms of sustainability, reduced local and global emissions, greater energy security, and reduced dependence on oil.

GTL fuel enables governments to meet policy objectives in a cost effective manner and provides significant benefits to customers. It helps to diversify energy supplies and reduce dependence on petroleum while meeting environmental objectives. Its use in diesel technology provides the high efficiency, operational reliability and fuel economy (20-30% benefit compared with gasoline) associated with the compression ignition engine. As a result, automotive manufacturers and governments are investing in advanced engine designs to improve efficiency and performance further. The supply of GTL fuel looks set to rise, as large-scale GTL plants are planned to be in operation In addition, The United States Air Force has ordered that all of its aircraft be certified to use GTL fuels by 2010. The Air Force is willing to purchase at least 300,000 barrels per day of GTL Jet Fuel made from USA coal.

All these characteristics make GTL fuel a promising alternative option in the medium term. Its compatibility with many future technologies makes GTL fuel a potential bridge to fuels and vehicles with even greater benefits in the long term.