Techno-economic Analysis of Green Methanol and Ammonia Production in Turkey

Abstract

This research examines two distinct power-to-fuel approaches for the sustainable synthesis of fuels (green methanol and green ammonia), considering their energetic and economic implications. Both methods involve a 10 MW alkaline electrolysis unit powered by renewable wind energy to generate high-purity green hydrogen. Subsequently, the study explores two processes for synthesizing two specific chemicals with market prices in Türkiye. In the initial scenario, hydrogen is combined with CO2, sourced from an industrial facility, and captured by a biogas plant. The resulting gases are directed to a pressurized reactor for methanol synthesis. In the second scenario, hydrogen is mixed with N2 obtained from an industrial air separation unit (ASU), and the mixture is sent to a reactor for ammonia synthesis. Both synthesis processes are conducted under elevated pressures and temperatures. The economic viability of the power-to-fuel plants is assessed in both cases. Methanol synthesis demonstrates a slightly higher efficiency compared to ammonia production, yet the two solutions exhibit similar economic impacts. The economic sustainability of both cases is further enhanced by the sale of major co-produced oxygen. This aspect, along with the anticipated reduction in electrolyser capital costs, proves to be crucial for achieving economic sustainability.