Multi-objective optimization evaluation of renewable and clean methanol synthesis

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of establishing a power-to-fuel facility for synthesizing renewable methanol (e-methanol) through the integration of green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide. Hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis using surplus renewable electricity, while carbon dioxide is captured from a conventional power plant’s emissions through an amine-based absorption process. Despite the current economic constraints, with production costs exceeding current market prices for methanol, the study highlights potential future competitiveness, especially considering impending European regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the study employs a hybrid Grey Wolf Optimizer–Particle Swarm Optimization approach to balance the trade-offs between methanol production cost and energy efficiency.