Renewable E-Methanol Shows Promise as Green Fuel

Reviewed by Lexie CornerJuly 25, 2024

In a recent study published in iEnergy, A group of researchers from Tsinghua University investigated the feasibility of using different carbon sources, such as biochar, direct air capture (DAC), fossil fuel carbon capture (FFCC), and fossil sources, to produce renewable e-methanol. The study aims to identify the most promising routes to commercialize green methanol by comparing the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and production costs of these e-methanols.

Methanol is an essential chemical feedstock that has the potential to become a green fuel, especially for the marine sector. However, most of the fossil feedstocks used in its production cause significant greenhouse gas emissions. Given the global movement towards decarbonization, the study of greener substitutes, such as renewable e-methanol, is crucial. These difficulties underline the need for in-depth research to create sustainable methanol production techniques.

The study evaluates the production costs and life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of four types of renewable e-methanol, each using a different carbon source: fossil fuels, DAC, FFCC and biochar. The results show that renewable e-methanol significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, with negative emissions from DAC and biochar. However, compared to conventional methanol, the production costs of renewable e-methanol are currently 2-4 times higher, ranging from CNY 4,167 to CNY 10,250 per ton.

The availability of green carbon sources and the cost of e-hydrogen, which depends on the energy generation and flexibility of the chemical processes, are important factors influencing cost-effectiveness.

According to the study, the shipping industry may initially find blue methanol to be a competitor to 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 highlight the potential of renewable e-methanol as a sustainable fuel alternative. By addressing the costs 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, Principal Investigator, 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 to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions is very promising. Future research and policy initiatives should increase the supply of green carbon sources and reduce the cost of e-hydrogen. Commercialization of renewable e-methanol could be crucial to achieving global sustainable development goals.

Funding for the study came from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Magazine reference:

Li, P., and others. (2024) Feasibility study for renewable e-methanol production: a substitution pathway from blue to green. iEnergy. doi.org/10.23919/IEN.2024.0013