Techno-economic analysis of plasma-assisted CO2 hydrogenation to methanol: feasibility and the impact of electricity supply

Abstract

CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol using plasma provides a sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based production methods. Although numerous experimental studies in relevant field have been reported, a comprehensive techno-economic assessment is still lacking. Additionally, the influence of electricity supply strategies on the plasma process remains unexplored. Therefore, in this study, evaluation has been performed on a plasma-assisted methanol production process with emphasis on the effects of multiple electricity supply strategies. A process model was developed based on the state-of-the-art performance of a catalytic DBD plasma reactor. Then, the minimum methanol selling price (MMSP) was calculated to evaluate the economic feasibility of variable and continuous operation of the plasma process and different electricity supply strategies. The results indicated that, in all scenarios investigated, the plasma process can not directly compete with conventional benchmark processes. Among the prospective power supply strategies projected for 2050, a significant reduction in MMSP was observed, with the lowest MMSP achieved when using surplus renewable energy. However, even with this approach, the MMSP was 7277 € per t, more than seven times higher than the benchmark price. Continuous operation of the plasma process at maximum capacity could improve its economic performance enabling a reduction of the MMSP to 3601 € per t.