Methanol is a versatile compound that serves both as a fuel and a chemical intermediate, widely applied in energy generation, transportation, and fuel cells. It plays a critical role in the production of various chemicals and materials, such as formaldehyde, methyl esters, olefins, and dimethyl ether. In 2019, the total annual methanol production capacity in the U.S. was approximately 3.3 million metric tons and was projected to rise to 9.4 million metric tons in 2020 with new plant openings. Most methanol plants primarily use natural gas as both feedstock and processing fuel, making them natural gas-intensive. Methanol’s role goes beyond mere utility; it can contribute to addressing “the global physical phenomenon that is a side effect of building the modern world.”
* Methanol, particularly green methanol produced from renewable feedstocks, could help mitigate the impacts of the "side effect", which is approaching a tipping point. While most green methanol is derived from biomass, this production method often faces challenges related to the availability and cost of feedstocks. Alternatively, methanol can be produced from waste CO2, which presents significant advantages. Utilizing waste CO2 not only circumvents the high feedstock costs associated with biomass but also has the potential to enable gigaton-scale methanol production while aiding in atmospheric CO2 removal. The economic feasibility of using waste CO2 depends on advancements in capture and conversion technologies, which can lower production costs and lead to a more competitive methanol market. This presentation will provide an in-depth analysis of the trade-offs between conventional and emerging technologies used in methanol production pathways. We will focus on various aspects of sustainability, including environmental impact, economic viability, and social considerations. By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each technology, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of how these pathways can contribute to a more sustainable future for methanol production to advance energy addition and unleash American energy innovation.
*The expression that is used during the current US administration to treat climate change (www.cnbc.com, 2025/03/10)
