Development of technologies for using carbon dioxide emissions by producing methanol as a prerequisite for the transformation of energy

Abstract

In connection with forecasts of the inability of renewable energy at the current pace of its development, to completely replace traditional energy sources by 2050, the problem of their decarbonization arises. With the aim of removing the greenhouse gas CO2, the technology of carbon capture and storage of carbon dioxide CCS (carbon capture storage) from the emissions of thermal power plants (TPP) is spreading around the world. However, there is no commercial interest in CO2 disposal and CCS is not developing fast enough. More than 30,000 Mt. of emissions are made in the world annually. But actually caught by CCS technology about 40 Mt. CCS technology involves costly processes, including drilling wells in the right place to great depths. A large-scale process of converting CO2 into fuel (methanol) with the possibility of generating electricity may turn out to be less costly and more efficient. An additional incentive to expand the ways of utilizing CO2 can be the choice of the same fuel as a means of long-term accumulation of excess electricity in renewable energy sources. A favorable condition for such a decision is the territorial proximity of thermal power plants or industrial enterprises that burn hydrocarbons. We consider the development of technologies for producing low carbon footprint methanol, methanol reforming and high power fuel cell technology.