(93a) Exploring the Economic Viability of E-Methanol Production in Pulp and Paper Mills

Modern pulp and paper plants typically are self-sufficient in renewable electricity and often have a surplus. This surplus is usually sold back to the grid which can be utilized to produce sustainable methanol from electrolysis hydrogen and CO2 capture. This approach not only diversifies their business portfolio but also potentially yields a higher value-added product. This paper explores the technical and economic synergies between e-methanol production and pulp and paper mills. Technically, it maps out the integration possibilities between the two types of plants. Economically, it estimates the levelized cost of methanol based on industry data, including market quotations, software simulations, and technical expertise. The levelized cost of e-methanol is then compared to conventional fuel prices to assess the cost of CO2 abatement. This analysis aims to elucidate the current cost disparity between e-methanol and traditional fuels and identify what is required to make e-methanol a more viable option.