In our project SM-24: Sustainable Methanol, we are assessing the supply-demand balance for sustainable methanol and identifying the best sourcing for a steady supply at competitive cost and with an acceptable carbon footprint.
Methanol can be produced from a range of feedstocks, including fossil fuels (the conventional source), as well as from waste materials, bio-based materials, and through the capture and utilization of carbon dioxide. Sustainable methanol, a lower-emissions alternative to conventional methanol, is a building block for more sustainable (low-emission, circular, bio-origin) chemicals. Additionally, when produced with captured carbon dioxide (e.g., CCU), sustainable methanol can help remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Despite these benefits, the global methanol supply is expected to remain dominated by grey (fossil-based) methanol in the coming decades. Identifying pathways to bolster sustainable methanol will be key to enable the production of more sustainable chemicals overall, helping the industry achieve its emissions reduction targets.
GLOBAL IMPACT TOPIC: Reduce process emissions
PAIN POINTS:
Today sustainable methanol is <1% of total supply and this share will not significantly increase
UNLOCK LEVERS:
Use global knowledge to assess realistic supply and demand scenarios for sustainable methanol
A “bring your own methanol” approach still needs trust in the ability of companies to source on the market
Explore and identify the most viable sourcing options, including CCU, DAC, and biomass-based sources
Understanding supply landscape and fundamental technoeconomic viability of sustainable methanol is a core need for MTO
Map production processes including TRL levels and expected PCF for sustainable methanol for different regions
