Design of carbon neutral methanol production via integration of renewable hydrogen and dry reforming process

Carbon emission poses a huge threat to the environment. Despite recent advancements in carbon capture technology, the economic viability of utilizing captured CO₂ is considered a challenge to further progress. This work aims to study the technical feasibility of an environmentally friendly process for producing methanol as a liquid hydrogen carrier while utilizing captured CO₂. In this study, methane and CO₂ are used as a feedstock to produce synthesis gas (syngas), while green hydrogen produced via water electrolysis adjust the composition of the syngas to enhance the methanol synthesis reaction. The process is simulated using Aspen Plus assuming annual production capacity of 100,000 t of methanol with a purity of 99.5 mol.%. The study also includes an evaluation of energy requirements in each section of the process.