Modelling and Simulation Study of Methanol Production from The Catalytic Hydrogenation of CO ₂

Introduction: Human activities during the last century have dramatically increased CO2 emissions, prompting scientists to develop both emission reduction techniques and profitable business opportunities. This research improves the production process for generating methanol fuel from captured CO2 while simultaneously reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and creating marketable products. Methods: The simulation process, based on Aspen Plus software, develops a precise method to absorb CO2 from thermal power plant flue gases. The production of hydrogen, which drives methanol synthesis, depends on water electrolysis powered by carbon-free electricity. This study examines outcomes generated by using two different catalyst systems, Cu/ ZnO/Al2O3 and In2O3, throughout the plant operation. Financial feasibility is determined by conducting an extensive economic plant evaluation, which includes a Return on Investment analysis, an Internal Rate of Return calculation, and assessments of Net Present Value and Payback Period. Results: It is found that the process utilizing the In2O3 catalyst is more efficient than the Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst, particularly when H2 is sourced from different renewable energy sources. Discussion: These findings suggest that the choice of a proper catalyst plays a vital role in the yield and economics of the methanol process. The benefits of In2O3 are linked to the current strong focus on combating climate change by fully integrating renewable energy into the grid and promoting sustainable chemical production worldwide. While simulation data were used for the study, experimental validation and scalability studies are still needed. Conclusion: Consequently, the synthesis process using the In2O3 catalyst emerges as a sustainable and environmentally benign approach for methanol production.