Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and Prospects
This review explores the potential of solar-driven methanol production as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based methods. While promising, its economic viability is challenged by high production costs associated with hydrogen (H2) generation, CO2 capture, and solar energy utilization...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/00219592.2025.2532867 |
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| author | Zong Yang Kong Soong Ling Hooi Ao Yang Tao Shi Basil T. Wong Jaka Sunarso |
| author_facet | Zong Yang Kong Soong Ling Hooi Ao Yang Tao Shi Basil T. Wong Jaka Sunarso |
| author_sort | Zong Yang Kong |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This review explores the potential of solar-driven methanol production as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based methods. While promising, its economic viability is challenged by high production costs associated with hydrogen (H2) generation, CO2 capture, and solar energy utilization. Currently, solar-derived methanol costs range from $0.94 to $2.4 kg−1, compared to $0.38 to $0.51 kg−1 for fossil-derived methanol, with electrolyzers contributing up to 95% of plant costs. This review examines critical factors influencing these costs, including advancements in electrolyzer technologies, solar-to-H2 conversion efficiency, and renewable energy integration. Additionally, policy measures such as subsidies and tax incentives are highlighted as enablers for financial competitiveness. A specific focus is given to Malaysia, where abundant solar resources, governmental support, and renewable energy targets create a favorable landscape for solar methanol development. With continued innovation, strategic investments, and supportive policies, solar-based methanol could achieve cost parity with fossil-derived alternatives by 2050, positioning it as a cornerstone of global sustainable energy systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e77b5be21b37402bad6afcac94903fb9 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0021-9592 1881-1299 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan |
| spelling | doaj-art-e77b5be21b37402bad6afcac94903fb92025-08-20T04:02:40ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Chemical Engineering of Japan0021-95921881-12992025-12-0158110.1080/00219592.2025.2532867Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and ProspectsZong Yang Kong0Soong Ling Hooi1Ao Yang2Tao Shi3Basil T. Wong4Jaka Sunarso5School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, MalaysiaSchool of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47500, MalaysiaCollege of Safety Science and Engineering, Chongqing University of Science & Technology, Chongqing 401331, P.R. ChinaSchool of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P.R. ChinaResearch Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching, Sarawak 93350, MalaysiaResearch Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching, Sarawak 93350, MalaysiaThis review explores the potential of solar-driven methanol production as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based methods. While promising, its economic viability is challenged by high production costs associated with hydrogen (H2) generation, CO2 capture, and solar energy utilization. Currently, solar-derived methanol costs range from $0.94 to $2.4 kg−1, compared to $0.38 to $0.51 kg−1 for fossil-derived methanol, with electrolyzers contributing up to 95% of plant costs. This review examines critical factors influencing these costs, including advancements in electrolyzer technologies, solar-to-H2 conversion efficiency, and renewable energy integration. Additionally, policy measures such as subsidies and tax incentives are highlighted as enablers for financial competitiveness. A specific focus is given to Malaysia, where abundant solar resources, governmental support, and renewable energy targets create a favorable landscape for solar methanol development. With continued innovation, strategic investments, and supportive policies, solar-based methanol could achieve cost parity with fossil-derived alternatives by 2050, positioning it as a cornerstone of global sustainable energy systems.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/00219592.2025.2532867E-fuelsSunshineLiquid fuelCO2 hydrogenationSustainable fuel |
| spellingShingle | Zong Yang Kong Soong Ling Hooi Ao Yang Tao Shi Basil T. Wong Jaka Sunarso Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and Prospects Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan E-fuels Sunshine Liquid fuel CO2 hydrogenation Sustainable fuel |
| title | Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and Prospects |
| title_full | Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and Prospects |
| title_fullStr | Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and Prospects |
| title_full_unstemmed | Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and Prospects |
| title_short | Illuminating the Future of E-Methanol: Solar Energy Pathways and Prospects |
| title_sort | illuminating the future of e methanol solar energy pathways and prospects |
| topic | E-fuels Sunshine Liquid fuel CO2 hydrogenation Sustainable fuel |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/00219592.2025.2532867 |
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