From methanol to power: Energy, economic and life-cycle assessments of several pathways

Using methanol as a fuel for power generation has garnered significant attention due to the increasing demand for renewable energy. This study compares the energy, economic, and environmental benefits of five potential methanol-to-power (M2P) routes: direct methanol power generation and four electrochemical/thermochemical power generation routes coupled with the methanol pretreatment process. Energy conversion and distribution for each M2P process are analyzed, focusing on key technical and economic indicators, and competitive targets are established to promote the market adoption of M2P pathways. The results indicate that none of the potential M2P routes are competitive under current technical and economic conditions, with energy efficiency ranging from 16.65% to 44.28%, underscoring the need for further research and development. A projected 40% reduction in methanol costs may render routes utilizing MSR and ATRM fuel pretreatment technologies economically beneficial, with the levelized cost of electricity for all pathways aligning with the current renewable energy generation costs. Life cycle analysis exposes that carbon emissions from methanol utilization are more significant than those stages, while the combining of the latter three M2P pathways with emerging renewable methanol synthesis technologies minimizes environmental impact. Despite the uncertainties and economic risks associated with methanol-to-electricity conversion, exploration of potential application scenarios of various pathways establishes a foundation for future advancements.