(93b) Energy Transition- Technoeconomic and Life Cycle Assessment to Produce Green Methanol

The energy transition is critical for minimal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. Thus, shifting from fossil-based systems to renewable energy sources is crucial for electrification and decarbonizing the industry sector. This transition ensures energy security through enhanced energy access while improving sustainability through increasing energy efficiency. The main objective of this study is to introduce a new framework design for a green methanol production system from sustainable sources and renewable energy. The hybrid design of solar photovoltaic (PV) and batteries is adopted to ensure the proposed system runs at its total capacity and avoids solar diurnal fluctuation. The integrated system of nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), and membrane brine concentration (MBC) is used to maximize the desalinated water extracted from seawater and restrict the brine discharge. The required amount of hydrogen for the methanol synthesis process is produced using an electrolyzer. CO₂ is captured from industrial facilities and power plants selected at proposed sites in Texas utilizing a carbon capture unit (CCU). An electrical boiler is added to secure the entire electrification for the system and supply the heat required for the methanol synthesis. A systematic solution approach is developed to demonstrate the capability of the proposed system to produce green methanol, considering economic and environmental metrics. The solution shows that producing green methanol is technically, economically, and environmentally feasible using the proposed system.