Purpose, Objectives and Key Question

The purpose of the EATS Task is to support the transition of internal combustion engines (ICE) from fossil fuels to advanced motor fuels with low greenhouse gas (GHG) impact. This transition must be accompanied by a parallel reduction in pollutant emissions to avoid shifting the environmental burden from global climate impact to local air quality degradation. Therefore, the focus of this task is on the exhaust aftertreatment of combustion processes using advanced motor fuels of biological or synthetic origin.

The task aims to address the following core objectives:

• Characterize engine-out exhaust profiles resulting from the use of advanced motor fuels in dedicated engine concepts
• Ensure reliable measurement and quantification of pollutant species within complex exhaust matrices
• Explore the potential of catalytic exhaust aftertreatment technologies to reduce emissions effectively
• Provide science-based guidance to regulators by identifying viable technical concepts for emission control

The central question this task seeks to answer is:

Can exhaust aftertreatment systems (EATS) enable the use of advanced motor fuels to become a viable low-GHG, low-emission alternative to fossil fuel combustion in internal combustion engines?

Activities

The work is a collaborative effort among Task participants from both the AMF and Sustainable Combustion TCPs. The following work packages are planned:

• WP1 – Characterization of Exhaust Profiles
  Focus on analyzing exhaust emissions from advanced motor fuels, such as ammonia and methanol, under realistic operating conditions.
• WP2 – Catalytic Aftertreatment Evaluation
  Investigation and assessment of catalytic exhaust aftertreatment systems for the control of emerging pollutants specific to advanced fuels.
• WP3 – Measurement Method Validation
  Validation and evaluation of reliable and accurate measurement techniques for quantifying exhaust gas pollutants.
• WP4 – Policy and Regulatory Recommendations
  Development of guidance for regulatory authorities aimed at minimizing emissions and supporting the adoption of sustainable technologies.
• WP5 – Task Management and Dissemination
  Coordination of project activities and effective dissemination of results to all relevant stakeholders.

Expected Results/Deliverables

The EATS Task will synthesize data on advanced motor fuel exhaust compositions, identify suitable tools for emission measurement, assess the potentials and limitations of catalytic exhaust aftertreatment, and highlight opportunities for emission control and related regulations. The expected results include a comprehensive final report compiled from all contributors and a set of key messages emphasizing the importance of emission control to ensure that the transition to low-greenhouse-gas fuels also improves local air quality and minimizes climate-relevant exhaust emissions. The deliverables will provide valuable guidance for emission regulators and technology developers, supported by data to facilitate the implementation of effective exhaust aftertreatment systems.

Furthermore, all partners will actively contribute to WP4 by disseminating their findings through scientific publications and IEA reports, while coordinating with their national Energy, Environment, and Climate Change Departments.