Green methanol industry status and development outlook
FU Churui
LI Jingle
Abstract：Methanol,a fundamental chemical commodity,finds extensive applications both as a raw material and a fu-el,and traditional methanol production processes are associated with significant carbon dioxide emissions,prompting a shift towards the development of green methanol as a key trend within the industry.This paper outlines the current state of the methanol industry and analyzes pertinent policies both domestically and internationally.It examines the character-istics of various methanol production methods and compares coal-based methanol,natural gas-derived methanol,coke oven gas methanol,coal bed methane methanol,and green methanol.The study focuses on an in-depth analysis of 170 global renewable methanol projects under production or planning,discussing the number of projects,their scales,and distribution characteristics across different countries.Based on this analysis of domestic and international industrial poli-cies,a scenario analysis is conducted regarding the carbon emissions,economic viability,and future trends under a carbon trading framework for different methanol production pathways.Considering the existing challenges in the indus-try,recommendations are provided to foster the healthy development of China's green methanol sector.These include increasing R & D investment in green methanol production technologies,particularly those utilizing green electricity and biomass,to enhance process efficiency and reduce costs.Internationally,the European Union has pioneered the re-lease of the world's first green methanol certification standard,while countries worldwide are setting near-zero emis-sion targets that include the promotion of alternative fuels such as green methanol.Domestically,the green methanol sector is guided by a suite of environmental policies and clean energy development measures,providing both policy sup-port and market opportunities for the green methanol fuel industry.Coal-derived methanol results in carbon emissions of 2.6 to 3.8 tons of CO2 per ton of methanol,whereas natural gas-derived methanol emits approximately 0.5 tons of CO2 per ton of methanol.Green methanol,derived from either biomass or green hydrogen,utilizes the most straightforward and mature method of producing hydrogen via electrolysis powered by renewable electricity,followed by a one-step cata-lytic process combining CO2 and green hydrogen to produce green methanol.It also emphasizes strengthening interna-tional cooperation to share cutting-edge research findings and technological experiences related to green methanol.Pilot projects should be initiated to evaluate the feasibility and economic benefits of diverse technological routes,laying the groundwork for scaled-up production.Policies and relevant product standards that facilitate the growth of green methanol should be formulated.Efforts should also be made to promote close collaboration along the entire industrial supply chain,encouraging the integration of green methanol with other sectors.The application of green methanol as a clean fuel and chemical feedstock across multiple domains,including transportation,chemical manufacturing,and energy,should be encouraged through policy guidance to expand its market potential.A comprehensive green methanol industri-al chain should be established to promote sustainable development.Lastly,a robust certification standard system for green methanol should be developed,aligning with guidelines and norms set by the European Union and the Interna-tional Maritime Organization(IMO).Additionally,a well-functioning carbon trading market,carbon quota manage-ment system,and voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction methodologies should be established to incentivize com-panies to reduce their carbon footprints through green methanol production and other means.
Keywords：green methanol industrybiomassCO2 hydrogenationhydrogen from electrolysiscarbon trading marketcarbon quota management system
Publication Date：2024-09-10
Pages：10( 27-36 )