A levelized-cost evaluation framework for biogenic e-methanol production chains connecting industrial ports to agricultural hinterlands

Agricultural residues hold a considerable potential for green fuels production serving both resource diversification and climate targets. Residues rich in lignocellulosic biomass can be biochemically converted to bio-methane and biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), which can be further upgraded to e-methanol. We synthesise an integrated approach evaluating the capacity and economic potential of e-methanol production supported by viable green hydrogen (H2) provision, under a CO2 hydrogenation process model. Spatial analysis of satellite imagery estimates biogenic CO2 potential, while an algebraic optimization model assesses green H2 and CO2 collection, processing, transportation and storage techno-economics. We further apply the approach on Egypt's Northern Delta, where we show the impact of production parameters on e-methanol cost curves at industrial ports serving global trade and freight bunkering. Key findings show how the spatial distribution and intensity of biogenic CO2, along with scale economy of green H2 impact costs. The levelized cost of e-methanol's (LCOM) curve exhibits a similar U shape form for the three ports, reaching a minimum at 710 $/ton at Alexandria. Despite the favorable impact of production capacity on the LCOM, such a benefit is eventually outweighed by the rising operational production chain costs detailed in this paper.