Techno-Economic Optimization of CO2-to-Methanol with Solid-Oxide Electrolyzer

Towards technology, economy, energy and environment oriented simultaneous optimization of ammonia production process: Further analysis of green process

Ammonia is one of the most produced chemicals around the world due to its various uses. However its traditional production process is associated with high fossil fuel consumption. To avoid this, the production of green ammonia can be done, and one of the considered production methods is water electrolysis, where the hydrogen needed for the manufacturing of ammonia is produced using solar energy. In this work, multi-objective optimization (MOO) is carried out for two ammonia synthesis processes with water electrolysis. One process uses solar energy to generate electricity for the whole process (Green ammonia), while the other uses natural gas for the same purpose (non-green ammonia) on a small production scale. The process is simulated using ProMax 5.0 and MOO is done using Excel-based MOO with I-MODE algorithm. Several MOO cases are solved with different objectives like CO2 emissions and energy (ENG) minimization, and Profit and Purity maximization in two and three objective cases. To conduct the work, several decision variables are selected like the operating temperatures and pressures of different streams in addition to the flow rate of nitrogen and water. Some constraints regarding the purity and reactors temperature are considered as well. The obtained results showed that the profit of green ammonia process (ranges between 0.7 and 80 M$/yr) is lower compared to the non-green process (ranges between 0.8 and 4.4 M$/yr). On the other hand, huge CO2 emissions (up to 38000 tons/yr) are produced in the non-green process compared to almost zero emissions with the green process. In most cases, water and nitrogen flow rates showed a high influence on the results and caused conflict between the objectives.

Renewable Methanol from Industrial Carbon Emissions: A Dead End or Sustainable Way Forward?

As the urgency to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 intensifies, industries face an imperative to reimagine their role in the fight against climate change. One promising avenue arises from the realization that industrial emissions, often deemed pollutants, can be the building blocks of a circular economy strategy. By directly utilizing these carbon emissions as raw materials, we can produce net-zero or low-carbon fuels, carbonates, polymers, and chemicals. At the heart of this paradigm shift lies the production of carbon-neutral methanol from industrial flue gas-a technically viable approach that has gained significant momentum in recent years. The conditions under which such a circular economy model for producing renewable methanol becomes commercially sustainable based on realistic constraints, however, are not sufficiently explored in the existing literature. This paper fills this gap by investigating if and when net-zero methanol production from industrial flue gas will be a sustainable long-term strategy. Using detailed technoeconomic modeling of integrated hydrogen and methanol production ecosystems for two production capacities, I will evaluate 32 practical production scenarios using realistic regulatory, economic, and market conditions. Even though renewable methanol from industrial emissions can be a viable technical solution to address climate change and global warming, I will show why this strategy will be commercially feasible only under favorable economic, regulatory, and market conditions. Furthermore, I will demonstrate how the market price of methanol and the cost of carbon-free electricity critically influence the commercial feasibility of this approach. When these two parameters are unfavorable, I will show why other factors, namely, carbon credits and byproduct (oxygen) sales, will not be sufficient to create an economically sustainable circular economy of renewable methanol from industrial emissions. Finally, I will provide arguments on why one has to think through stakeholder cooperation and public-private partnerships to mitigate various project risks. Despite the importance of this topic, it is not sufficiently covered in the available scientific literature. To advance policy and regulatory frameworks in this area, I strongly believe that further research and development is needed. I will also share perspectives on regulatory derisking mechanisms, which can help align regulations with private investors' preferences. With the analyses and arguments showcased in this paper, I will firmly assert that without favorable conditions, strong partnerships, and stakeholder cooperation, the production of renewable net-zero methanol from industrial emissions risks becoming a dead-end strategy.

Assessment of Green Methanol Production Potential and Related Economic and Environmental Benefits: The Case of China

Adopting a new paradigm for social development implies a transition to a circular economy. The above requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the utilization of wastes, and the use of renewable energy sources. The most promising way is the use of methanol for industrial and transport applications. China is experiencing a boom in methanol production and its use in almost every sector of the economy. The purpose of this study was to reveal economic benefits, carbon dioxide emissions and the potential production of green methanol. Fuel price history, energy costs and fuel economy were used for economic assessment. Life cycle analysis to evaluate carbon dioxide emissions was applied. It was revealed that only the use of green methanol as a fuel results in decreases in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels. The potential methanol production by using recycled waste and wind power was determined. Its annual production can range from 6.83 to 32.43 million tones. On this basis, a gradual transition to a circular and methanol economy is possible. Policymakers are recommended to support green methanol production in China. It can result in boosting the application of vehicles fueled by methanol and can control CO2 emissions.