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Review of Power-to-Liquid (PtL) Technology for Renewable Methanol (e-MeOH): Recent Developments, Emerging Trends and Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Luísa Marques

    (c5Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Maria Vieira

    (c5Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • José Condeço

    (c5Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Lisbon, Portugal
    Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Henrique Sousa

    (c5Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Carlos Henriques

    (Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Institute of Molecular Sciences, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Maria Mateus

    (c5Lab—Sustainable Construction Materials Association, 2795-242 Lisbon, Portugal
    Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente (CERENA), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

The cement industry is a significant contributor (around 8%) to CO 2 global emissions. About 60% of the industry’s emissions come from limestone calcination, which is essential for clinker production, while 40% are the result of fuel combustion. Reducing these emissions is challenging due to limestone’s role as the primary raw material for cement. Cement plants are required to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the 13th United Nations Sustainable Goals. One strategy to achieve this goal, involves Carbon Capture and utilization (CCU). Among the options for CO 2 utilization, the Power-to-Liquid (PtL) strategy offers a means to mitigate CO 2 emissions. In PtL, the CO 2 captured from cement industrial flue gas is combined with the hydrogen generated by renewable electrolysis (green hydrogen) and is catalytically converted into renewable methanol (e-MeOH). In this sense, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the worldwide existing pilot and demonstration units and projects funded by the EU across several industries. It specifically focuses on PtL technology worldwide within cement plants. This work covers 18 locations worldwide, detailing technology existent at plants of different capacities, location, and project partners. Finally, the review analyses techno-economic assessments related to e-MeOH production processes, highlighting the potential impact on achieving carbon neutrality in the cement industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Luísa Marques & Maria Vieira & José Condeço & Henrique Sousa & Carlos Henriques & Maria Mateus, 2024. "Review of Power-to-Liquid (PtL) Technology for Renewable Methanol (e-MeOH): Recent Developments, Emerging Trends and Prospects for the Cement Plant Industry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-41, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:22:p:5589-:d:1517147
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wen-Hsien Tsai & Wei-Hong Lin, 2024. "Production Decision Model for the Cement Industry in Pursuit of Carbon Neutrality: Analysis of the Impact of Carbon Tax and Carbon Credit Costs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-22, March.
    2. Adnan, Muflih A. & Kibria, Md Golam, 2020. "Comparative techno-economic and life-cycle assessment of power-to-methanol synthesis pathways," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 278(C).
    3. Pérez-Fortes, Mar & Schöneberger, Jan C. & Boulamanti, Aikaterini & Tzimas, Evangelos, 2016. "Methanol synthesis using captured CO2 as raw material: Techno-economic and environmental assessment," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 718-732.
    4. Meunier, Nicolas & Chauvy, Remi & Mouhoubi, Seloua & Thomas, Diane & De Weireld, Guy, 2020. "Alternative production of methanol from industrial CO2," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 1192-1203.
    5. Braun, Matthias & Grimme, Wolfgang & Oesingmann, Katrin, 2024. "Pathway to net zero: Reviewing sustainable aviation fuels, environmental impacts and pricing," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
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