Compared to conventional fuels, renewable methanol cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95%, reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%, and completely eliminates sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions.
Methanol (CH3OH) is a liquid chemical used in thousands of everyday products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics and fuels. Liquid methanol is made from synthesis gas, a mix of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. These simple ingredients can be sourced from a wide range of feedstocks and using different technology approaches.
Renewable methanol is an ultra-low carbon chemical produced from sustainable biomass, often called bio-methanol, or from carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced from renewable electricity.
The Methanol Institute (MI) is tracking more than 80 renewable methanol projects around the globe that are projected to produce more than eight million metric tons (2.7 billion gallons or 10 billion liters) per year of e-methanol and bio-methanol by 2027. Curated by the MI team based on publicly announced projects, the database provides a novel look at the anticipated growth of renewable methanol production.
Methanol is an essential chemical building block and emerging energy resource. Methanol is synthesized using a mixture of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. These elements can be derived from a variety of feedstocks and processes, with conventional methanol produced from natural gas or coal. Renewable methanol is a low carbon and net carbon neutral liquid chemical and fuel produced from sustainable biomass, often called bio-methanol, or from captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen produced from renewable electricity, referred to as e-methanol.
In addition to the growing number of renewable methanol projects, there is clear evidence that the sale of production for bio-methanol and e-methanol facilities is ramping up. With ongoing advancements in technology and increased government support, the capacity of individual renewable plants is expected to rise from 5,000-10,000 metric tons of methanol per year to 50,000-250,000 metric tons per year or more over the next five years.
Technical Knowledge Webinar on Green Hydrogen and Green Methanol
Organized by MI, NSEFI and IWPA, this webinar includes plenary sessions on the different facets of producing green hydrogen through green methanol, methanol as a hydrogen carrier and other applications of green methanol followed by Q&A session with industry experts from around the world. The webinar gives a platform to gain insights, learn about solutions and explore potential opportunities for collaboration on clean energy projects in India.
MI and IRENA Release Joint Report on Renewable Methanol
Methanol is essential for the chemical industry and represents an emerging fuel for a wide range of uses. Although largely produced from fossil fuels, it can also be made from sustainable, renewable-based energy sources. This outlook from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Methanol Institute identifies challenges, offers policy recommendations and explores ways to produce renewable methanol at a reasonable cost.
