NTPC announced successful synthesis of CO2 captured from flue gas with hydrogen produced from a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, which was then converted into methanol.

• NTPC has also developed its first indigenous methanol synthesis catalyst.

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What is Methanol?

Methanol (CH₃OH), often referred to as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is the simplest alcohol.

• It’s a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with a distinct odor.
• Despite its simple structure, methanol plays a crucial role in various industries.
• Key Properties:
  • Miscibility with Water: Methanol is completely soluble in water, making it a versatile solvent.
  • Flammability: It is highly flammable, requiring careful handling and storage.
  • Toxicity: Methanol is toxic to humans and animals, particularly when ingested. Its toxicity necessitates careful handling and storage.

Applications of Methanol

• Fuel Blending: Methanol can be blended with gasoline to improve octane rating and reduce emissions.
• Direct Fuel: It can be used as a fuel in internal combustion engines, especially in racing applications.
• Fuel Cell Technology: Methanol is used as a fuel source in direct methanol fuel cells.
• Industrial Solvent: It’s widely used as a solvent in various industries, including paints, coatings, and cleaning products.
• Laboratory Reagent: Methanol is a common solvent in chemical laboratories for reactions, extractions, and chromatography.
• Automotive Antifreeze: Methanol is used as an antifreeze component in windshield washer fluids to prevent freezing in cold weather.
• Formaldehyde Production: Methanol is a primary feedstock for the production of formaldehyde, a key ingredient in many industrial products.
• Other Chemicals: It’s used to produce a variety of other chemicals, including acetic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and dimethyl ether (DME).

About CO2 to Methanol Conversion

• CO₂ Capture : CO₂ is taken out from the flue gas which is the waste gasses released from power plants
• Hydrogen Production : Hydrogen gas (H₂) is created using a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer.
  • PEM splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
• Methanol Synthesis : Captured CO₂ is combined with the hydrogen gas to create methanol which is a clean fuel and can be used in various industries.

Benefits of CO₂ to Methanol Conversion

• Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU): This process provides a way to convert CO₂ into a useful product, helping to mitigate the greenhouse gas’s impact on climate change. By capturing and utilizing CO₂, we can reduce the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere.
• Sustainable Fuel Production: Methanol, produced from CO₂, serves as a versatile, renewable fuel.
  • It can be used across sectors like transportation, power generation, and as a feedstock in various industrial processes, promoting energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Lower Energy Demand and Cost: The production of methanol from CO₂ requires less energy and is generally more cost-effective than traditional methods, enhancing its economic viability.
• Efficient Energy Storage and Transport: Methanol is easier to store and transport than hydrogen, as it is less flammable and more manageable. This makes methanol a safer alternative for large-scale storage and long-distance transport.
• Versatile Feedstock for Industry: Methanol serves as a key ingredient in manufacturing a wide range of chemicals, solvents, and plastics, supporting diverse applications in the industrial sector and contributing to economic resilience.

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NITI Aayog’s Methanol Economy Programme

• Reduction in Oil Import Bill: NITI Aayog’s program proposes blending 15% methanol into gasoline, which could reduce gasoline or crude oil imports by at least 15%, benefiting the economy and reducing energy dependence.
• Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Methanol blending results in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuels. It can reduce emissions of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx by around 20%, directly benefiting urban air quality.
• Improved Urban Air Quality: Urban transportation is responsible for approximately 40% of urban air pollution. By adopting methanol blending, urban air quality could significantly improve, reducing the health impacts of pollution in densely populated areas.

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