Production of Carbon Neutral Methanol Using Co-Electrolysis of CO2 and Steam in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell in Tandem with Direct Air Capture

Abstract

The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution is a major contributor to climate change. Among the several options to tackle this issue, the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and its subsequent use is becoming increasingly attractive. This paper presents a techno-economic feasibility study and quantification of the environmental benefits of combining direct air capture (i.e. capturing CO2 from the atmosphere) with co-electrolysis of water and the captured CO2 in a solid oxide electrolyser cell (SOEC). It was found that the fuel methanol could be modelled to be produced in a carbon negative manner but is not profitable due to current SOEC capital cost. The capital cost of the SOEC is expected to be cut in half by 2030. This would allow for profitable production of methanol.