Economic and environmental analysis of biomass-based methanol production: A comparative study with fossil-based alternative
Muflih A. Adnan
Abstract
This study investigates the biomass-to-methanol production to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. While extensive research exists on this topic, our study fills a crucial gap by providing a comprehensive comparative assessment of the economic and environmental advantages of biomass-based methanol versus fossil-based alternatives. We developed a model of the gasification of two biomass feedstocks (i.e., Porphyra yezoensis (aquatic) and palm kernel shell (terrestrial)) and compared them with low-rank coal as a fossil surrogate. Our findings indicate that biomass cost is a critical factor in determining the levelized cost of methanol, with necessary thresholds of $195/ton for palm kernel shell and $220/ton for algae to be comparable with the one from low-rank coal. The cradle-to-gate life cycle analysis shows that both PKS and algae achieve negative CO 2 emissions (−1.250 ton-CO 2 /ton-methanol and −0.728 ton-CO 2 /ton-methanol, respectively), in contrast to the positive emissions associated with coal-based methanol production (0.913 ton-CO 2 /ton-methanol). Our carbon pricing analysis reveals a reduction of the levelized cost of PKS-based and algae-based methanol by ∼76 % and ∼8 %, respectively. Our sensitivity analysis identifies key parameters which affect economic feasibility. This study provides guidance for researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders to collaborate effectively in achieving sustainable methanol processes. From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), biomass-based methanol can support affordable clean energy (SGDs #7), promote responsible consumption and production by using biomass waste (SGDs #12), and contribute to climate action (SGDs #13) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods.