Renewable E-Methanol Shows Promise as Green Fuel

In a recent study published in iEnergy, a group of researchers from Tsinghua University investigated the viability of using various carbon sources, such as bio-carbon, direct air capture (DAC), fossil fuel carbon capture (FFCC), and fossil sources, to produce renewable e-methanol. The research attempts to determine the most promising routes for green methanol commercialization by contrasting the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and production costs of these e-methanols.

Methanol is an essential chemical feedstock that has the potential to be a green fuel, especially for the maritime sector. However, the majority of fossil feedstocks used in its production result in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Given the global movement towards decarbonization, investigating greener substitutes, such as renewable e-methanol, is vital. These difficulties highlight the need for in-depth research to create sustainable methanol production techniques.

The study assesses the production costs and lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of four types of renewable e-methanol, each utilizing a different carbon source: fossil fuels, DAC, FFCC, and bio-carbon. The results show that renewable e-methanol greatly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, with emissions from the DAC and bio-carbon methods being negative. However, compared to conventional methanol, the production costs of renewable e-methanol are currently 2-4 times higher, ranging from 4167 to 10250 CNY per ton.

The availability of green carbon sources and the cost of e-hydrogen, which is dependent on power generation and chemical process flexibility, are important factors influencing cost-effectiveness.

According to the study, the shipping industry may see blue methanol initially compete with fossil fuels due to falling e-hydrogen costs and appropriate carbon taxes. Green renewable methanol is expected to become more competitive as the industry develops, eventually replacing heavy fuel oil and diesel and significantly reducing emissions.

Our findings underscore the potential of renewable e-methanol to serve as a sustainable fuel alternative. By addressing the cost and availability of e-hydrogen and green carbon, we can pave the way for its commercial adoption and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.

Dr. Jin Lin, Lead Researcher, Tsinghua University

Renewable e-methanol holds great promise for the industry. Its potential to replace heavy fuel oil and diesel in the shipping sector and drastically cut carbon emissions holds great promise. Future research and policy initiatives should increase the supply of green carbon sources and reduce e-hydrogen costs. The commercialization of renewable e-methanol could be essential to achieving global sustainability goals.

The China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and the National Natural Science Foundation of China funded this study.

Journal Reference:

Li, P., et al. (2024) Feasibility study of renewable e-methanol production: A substitution pathway from blue to green. iEnergy. doi.org/10.23919/IEN.2024.0013