Techno-economic assessment of the impact of electrolysis technology on power-to-methanol processes

Power-to-methanol processes could play an important role in future production of chemicals and synthetic fuels. Accordingly, this topic has been studied in numerous publications focusing the techno-economic assessment of this approach. However, the available options regarding the application of different electrolysis technologies have not been assessed comprehensively. The aim of this work is to compare power-to-methanol processes based on alkaline, PEM and solid oxide electrolysis. In the latter case, heat integration as well as the option of co-electrolysis are considered. The study is based on available CO2 sources at the chemical park of Bitterfeld-Wolfen (Germany), allowing for production capacities from 250 to 800 tMeOH/d. The results highlight AEL-based process routes as a reasonable option for short-to mid-term realization, while SOEL is a promising option for mid-to long-term implementation. Only slight differences regarding efficiency and economics were found for steam and co-electrolysis-based routes.