[ e-methanol ]
efficiency . In general , due to the cost of storing hydrogen , a strategy that guarantees supply for 4 – 10 hours is recommended . This intermediate storage can be significantly avoided or reduced in locations where grid electricity has a high share of renewable energy , as the project could connect to the national grid without compromising the greenhouse gas intensity of the RFNBO produced .
CO 2 storage Although the CO 2 production profile is generally less variable compared to hydrogen , adequate storage systems are also essential . Given the greater ease of storing CO 2 compared to hydrogen , it is generally recommended to store a quantity of CO 2 that guarantees the plant ’ s supply for 1 – 5 days , although these values will vary considerably depending on the specific case .
Crude methanol storage Distillation is the main limiting factor in load variations , as its lower operating limit is more rigid than that of methanol synthesis , requiring operation at a minimum of 50 % of its capacity . To successfully couple these two stages , crude methanol storage is recommended to allow each part of the plant to operate under optimal conditions . shipping , and aviation – sectors that face significant challenges in their transition to decarbonization . However , its economic viability is currently limited by its high cost compared to fossil fuels , driven primarily by the price of renewable hydrogen , which constitutes the most significant component of its cost structure .
To ensure the success of a renewable methanol project , it is critical to optimally integrate methanol and hydrogen plants , with a strategic focus on reducing hydrogen production costs ( LCOH ), as this will be the main contributor to the levelized cost of methanol ( LCOM ). At AtlantHy , we specialize in supporting these projects to reach their full potential , optimizing designs and processes to achieve the lowest possible costs and facilitating the adoption of e-methanol in the market .
References
¹ IRENA & Methanol Institute . ( 2021 , January ). Innovation Outlook : Renewable Methanol .
² Journal of CO 2
Utilization 68 ( 2023 , February ):
102345 . ³ Processes 7.7 ( 2019 , July 1 ): 405 .
4
Honiron . ( 2017 , May 9 ). Distillation columns used in crude oil refining .
If the reactor needs to operate at higher or lower flow rates due to operational adjustments , the crude methanol storage system can handle these variations by storing excess crude methanol or supplying it to the distillation column when necessary . The recommended storage time will depend on the parameters and production profiles considered for the plant ; however , at least one day of crude methanol production is recommended .
Conclusion
E-methanol is positioned as a key solution for decarbonizing chemical industry ,
About AtlantHy
AtlantHy is a Spanish consulting and engineering company focused exclusively on the development of renewable hydrogen , carbon capture , and synthetic fuels projects . The company provides consultancy services , guiding clients with its expertise ; it develops the initial engineering phases of projects up to the permitting stage and assists with subsidy applications . In the area of subsidies , AtlantHy has a success rate of 70 %, having secured two grants of € 12 million and € 15 million from the Spanish government under the Next Generation EU funds . Additionally , the company offers training courses designed to disseminate knowledge about synthetic fuels and renewable hydrogen and , when necessary , acts as a project developer in collaboration with other companies .
38 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 20 | February 2025