World’s First CO₂ to Methanol Plant 

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

In News

  • At its Vindhyachal plant, NTPC achieved the first-ever synthesis of CO₂ (captured from flue gas) and hydrogen (from a PEM electrolyzer) into methanol. This pioneering carbon management technology aims to advance sustainable fuel production.

About CO₂-to-methanol conversion

  • Carbon Dioxide Capture: CO2 is captured from industrial sources like power plants or directly from the atmosphere.
  • Hydrogen Production: Renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, are used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis of water.
  • Methanol Synthesis: The captured CO2 is combined with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce methanol. This process typically occurs at high pressure and temperature.

Benefits of CO2-to-Methanol Conversion

  • Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU): It provides a way to utilize CO2, reducing its impact on the atmosphere.
  • Renewable Fuel Source: Methanol can be used as a fuel for transportation, power generation, or as a feedstock for chemicals.
  • Energy Storage: Methanol can be stored and transported more easily than hydrogen, making it a potential energy storage solution and supporting a transition to hydrogen-based energy systems.
  • Versatile Feedstock: Methanol is widely used in producing chemicals, solvents, and plastics, supporting diverse industrial applications.

What is Methanol?

  • Brief: Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is the simplest alcohol. It’s a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with a distinctive odor.
  • Key Properties: Colorless, Miscibility (mixes completely with water), Toxic if ingested, Flammability. 

Source: ET