Context:
World’s first commercial-scale e-methanol plant began operations in Denmark
E-Methanol:
- A low-carbon fuel created by combining green hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- Considered a viable alternative to fossil fuels, especially in shipping and chemical industries.
- Production Process –
- Green Hydrogen Generation: Hydrogen is extracted through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources.
- CO₂ Capture – Carbon dioxide is captured from industrial emissions (e.g., steel plants, cement factories); Direct air capture (DAC) can also be used to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.
- Methanol Synthesis – Hydrogen and CO₂ are reacted in a catalytic reactor under pressure, forming methanol with minimal by-products.
- Benefits –
- Infrastructure Compatibility – Can be used without major modifications to existing fuel systems.
- Stability – Stored easily at room temperature and ambient pressure.
- Versatility – Can be used in multiple fuel applications, including shipping, road transport (as gasoline substitute), and aviation (kerosene alternative).
- Applications –
- Shipping Industry: A cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuels.
- Aviation & Road Transport: Its derivatives gasoline and kerosene can replace fossil-based fuels.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Used in producing plastics, resins, and other industrial chemicals.
- Challenges –
- High Cost – More expensive than fossil-based methanol due to renewable electricity expenses.
- Production Inefficiencies – Limited scaling and technological barriers make it less economically feasible. Dependency on CO₂ Capture – Requires advanced carbon capture technologies for sustainable production.
Source: ET
Previous Year Question
‘Triclosan’, considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Food preservatives
(b) Fruit-ripening substances
(c) Reused plastic containers
(d) Toiletries
Answer: (d)