Economic and environmental assessment of methanol production from captured CO₂ using green hydrogen
Chemical Engineering Research and Design, vol.233, pp.633-648, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 233
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.cherd.2026.08.029
- Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC
- Page Numbers: pp.633-648
- Keywords: CO2 mitigation, CO2 utilization, Hydrogen production, Methanol production, Process integration, Techno-economic analysis
- Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study evaluates an integrated system for pre-combustion CO2 capture and methanol synthesis designed to overcome the economic barriers of conventional carbon management. The system combines a dual-stage Selexol process (DSSP) for CO2 capture from gasification plants with a high-temperature solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) for renewable hydrogen production, enabling catalytic conversion of CO2 to methanol. Simulations in Aspen HYSYS® demonstrate that integration eliminates external heating demands for the DSSP and reduces SOE energy consumption, lowering operational costs. Methanol is produced at €530/tonne, yielding a €40/tonne profit (excluding carbon tax incentives). The system's economic viability depends on renewable electricity pricing, methanol market trends, and carbon tax policies. By relying solely on renewable energy, it achieves a net CO2 reduction of 2.12 tonnes per tonne of methanol, leveraging synergies between capture and utilization. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), this approach presents a scalable and economically viable pathway for emission reductions, emphasizing the necessity of policy support, affordable renewables, and sustainable innovation to advance CO2 utilization in the power sector.