The concept of methanol economy was proposed by the Nobel Prize winner George A. Olah to replace fossil resources with renewable methanol. China is the largest methanol producer in the world.
Methanol Economy is a hot topic in India among business leaders. According to Government of India website, the Concept of “Methanol Economy” is being actively pursued by China, Italy, Sweden, Israel, the US, Australia, Japan and many other European countries. 10% of fuel in China in transport Sector is Methanol, a clean-burning drop in fuel which can replace both petrol & diesel in transportation & LPG, Wood, Kerosene in cooking fuel.
Hydrogen based fuel systems
Methanol can also replace diesel in Railways, Marine Sector, Gensets, Power Generation and Methanol based reformers could be an ideal complement to Hybrid and Electric Mobility. Methanol Economy is the “Bridge” to the dream of a complete “Hydrogen based fuel system”.
How Methanol can be produced
Methanol is a scalable and sustainable fuel, that can be produced from a variety of feedstocks like Natural Gas, Coal (Indian High Ash Coal), Bio-mass, Municipal Solid waste and most importantly from CO2.
Methanol is a low carbon fuel
Methanol is a low carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas. It is the best pathway for meeting India’s commitment to COP 21.
Niti Aayog Methanol Economy Program
NITI Aayog, a policy think tank of the Government of India, running a programme called ‘Methanol Economy’ to promote the use of methanol in various industrial activities. The program also aimed at reducing India’s oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol.
