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Green methanol production from photovoltaics in Europe

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  • Rodriguez-Pastor, D.A.
  • Soltero, V.M.
  • Chacartegui, R.

Abstract

The European Union's objective for non-biological fuels is 10 Mt by 2030. The massive implementation of green hydrogen facilities predicts cost overruns for adapting the existing industry towards H2-ready, making the development of alternative e-fuels imperative. Based on European GIS data, this work analyses the potential implementation of green methanol from CO2 capture in existing industries. The study is based on hydrogen fraction limits on existing natural gas grids, with maximum volumetric blends of 5–20 % H2. The analysis of boundary conditions based on water resources and proximity to the networks yields 3016 potential municipalities for implementing green methanol valleys. The analysis projects a potential of ∼30 Mton H2/year in PV to produce 5 Mton of methanol, with a carbon capture capacity above 7 Mton CO2/year. The economic analysis of different scenarios shows that in 2030, the levelized cost of methanol could reach values around ∼450 €/ton MeOH, with IRR>15 %, showing the viability of the approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodriguez-Pastor, D.A. & Soltero, V.M. & Chacartegui, R., 2025. "Green methanol production from photovoltaics in Europe," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:254:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125014132
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123751
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Lanlan & Han, Kai & Wang, Yongzhen & Han, Yibo & Cui, Tao & Xia, Yuyao, 2025. "Performance analysis of direct air capture-based renewable power-to-methanol (P2M) system in different regions of China: An annual intermittency investigation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).

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