eMethanol

Introducing eMethanol

A fossil-free liquid eFuel

Electrofuels, also known as eFuels, are synthetic fuels produced from hydrogen (H2) derived from water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). They can be produced in either gaseous form (example: e-hydrogen or e-methane) or liquid form (example: e-diesel or eMethanol).

At Liquid Wind, we are focused on developing facilities that will deliver eFuel in form of liquid eMethanol.

What is eMethanol? 

eMethanol is a very versatile commodity that can be used as a fuel for vehicles, in fuel cells, for electricity generation, and as a feedstock in the chemical industry.

Since Methanol already has an established infrastructure for production, storage, and distribution, it can also potentially be integrated into existing systems more easily compared to some other electrofuels. 

But more importantly: With access to renewable energy from wind, solar or hydropower, and fossil free CO2 captured from biofueled power plants, our facilities can produce green methanol that has a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional methanol derived from fossil fuels. This considerably contributes to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, offering hard-to-abate sectors, like shipping and aviation, a way to reach their sustainability goals. 

Read about the advantages of eMethanol as a green hydrogen carrier

eMethanol production process

eMethanol produced in our eFuel facilities undergoes a Power-to-Liquid (PtL) process, involving the following steps:

Electrolysis

An electrolyser, powered by renewable energy, splits water (H₂O) into oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen (H₂). The hydrogen is used as the primary feedstock for eMethanol production. The oxygen, formed as a by-product, can either be released into the atmosphere or captured and supplied to local industries.

Carbon Capture

Biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) is extracted from industrial flue gases using sophisticated absorption technology, where flue gases interact with chemical solvents. Once purified, the CO₂ progresses in the eMethanol production process.

Methanol synthesis and destillation

The green hydrogen (H₂) obtained through electrolysis and the biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) are mixed in a compressor. The gas mixture reacts over a catalyst to form a mixtur of methanol and water (CH₃OH + H₂O). The mixtur is further refinemed in a distillationstep to meet specific quality standards for its intended use

Key sustainability aspects of eMethanol

  • The primary factor that distinguishes eMethanol from traditional fossil fuels is the use of renewable energy sources in its production. eMethanol is typically produced using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. This reliance on clean energy contributes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with the production of this fuel.

  • When produced using renewable energy, eMethanol can be considered carbon-neutral over its lifecycle. The carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is theoretically offset by the amount of CO2 captured during the production process. This contrasts with conventional fossil fuels, which release additional carbon into the atmosphere when burned.

  • eMethanol offers a practical solution for industries and sectors that are challenging to electrify directly, such as shipping, aviation, and certain industrial processes. These sectors often rely on liquid fuels, and eMethanol provides a means to decarbonize these hard-to-abate areas, helping achieve broader sustainability goals.

  • eMethanol is designed to be compatible with existing infrastructure, including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and fuel distribution networks. This versatility makes eMethanol a practical choice for industries that face challenges transitioning entirely to electric power in the short term, facilitating a gradual and feasible shift toward sustainability.

  • Some eFuels, like electro-methanol or eMethanol, can be produced using captured carbon dioxide from industrial processes or directly from the atmosphere. This creates a circular economy approach, where carbon emissions are recycled and repurposed to produce useful fuels, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

  • The combustion of eFuels, including eMethanol, typically results in lower emissions of harmful pollutants such as methane, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to conventional fossil fuels. This aspect enhances air quality and reduces the negative impacts on public health.

  • eFuels, such as eMethanol, can serve as a means of storing renewable energy. They allow for the conversion of surplus electricity generated during periods of high renewable energy production into chemical energy, which can be stored and used when renewable energy generation is low or unavailable. This addresses the intermittency of some renewable energy sources.

  • Some eFuels, like eMethanol, are liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, making them easy to transport and store using existing infrastructure such as pipelines, trucks, ships, and rail. This characteristic enhances their practicality and ease of integration into current energy systems.

Looking to accelerate your carbon neutral transition?

We would love to discuss your needs and how we can support you to meet your sustainability goals and improve your value proposition.