<scp>CO<sub>2</sub></scp> utilization for methanol production; Optimal pathways with minimum <scp>GHG</scp> reduction cost
Yaser Khojasteh Salkuyeh, Omid Ashrafi, Ehsan Mostafavi, Philippe Navarri
Abstract
Abstract Mitigating CO 2 emissions from industries and other sectors of our economy is a critical component of building a sustainable economy. This paper investigates two different methanol synthesis routes based on CO 2 utilization (CO 2 capture and utilization [CCU], and tri‐reforming of methane [TRM]), and compares the results with the conventional methanol production using natural gas as the feedstock (NG‐MeOH). A comprehensive techno‐economic analysis (TEA) model that includes the findings of the life cycle assessment (LCA) models of methanol production using various CO 2 utilization pathways is conducted. Economic analysis is conducted by developing a cost model that is connected to the simulation models for each production route. Compared to the conventional process (with a GHG emission of 0.6 kg CO 2 /kg MeOH), the lifecycle GHG reduction of 1.75 and 0.41 kg CO 2 /kg MeOH are achievable in the CCU and TRM pathways, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicate that, under current market conditions and hydrogen production costs, methanol production via CO 2 hydrogenation will result in a cost approximately three times higher than that of the conventional process. The integrated TEA–LCA model shows that this increased cost of production equates to a required life cycle GHG reduction credit of $279 to $422 per tonne of CO 2 utilized, depending on construction material and selected pathway. Additionally, when compared to the CO 2 hydrogenation route, the tri‐reforming process (TRM‐MeOH) can result in a 42% cost savings. Furthermore, a minimum financial support of $56 per tonne utilized CO 2 will be required to make the TRM‐MeOH process economically viable.