Colloquia

Summary

Methanol is an important platform chemical and fuel, currently produced mainly from fossil natural gas. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alternative production routes using renewable feedstocks are required. One promising option is converting biogas from anaerobic digestion into methanol. 

This study analyses several chemical pathways for converting manure-derived biogas into synthesis gas suitable for methanol production. Different (novel and more conventional-) reforming technologies are evaluated using thermodynamic equilibrium modelling in Aspen Plus.    The optional use of renewable electricity for additional hydrogen production to increase the carbon efficiency via conversion of the CO2 in biogas is evaluated. The processes are compared with respect to syngas composition, methane conversion, energy efficiency, carbon formation risk, and process complexity.

The results provide insight into which reforming strategy is most suitable for decentralised bio-methanol production. The most promising pathway is selected for a more detailed design and techno-economic evaluation of a biogas-to-methanol process, based on ca.5000 Nm3/h of biogas as input.  The evaluation includes assessing energy- and carbon efficiency, economic viability, scalability and the CO2 footprint.

The study provides valuable insights into the feasibility of decentral methanol production from biogas, supporting the transition toward more sustainable and circular chemical production systems.