A review of recent advances on the path towards a greener methanol industry

Methanol, traditionally synthesized through natural gas and coal gasification, is studied as a versatile energy carrier with applications in transport and industrial sectors. Green methanol production has already been acknowledged to play a pivotal role in future energy systems. Furthermore, it offers an alternative to hydrogen-centered energy strategies. However, renewable routes face economic challenges, including high electrolysis costs, energy-intensive CO 2 capture, and overall system inefficiencies. This review comprehensively examines the methanol production routes, detailing plant configurations, recent technological advancements, optimal operating conditions, techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessments. We found that methanol selling prize is approximately 100-300 €/t for fossil methanol, 350-1,050 €/t for biomethanol, and 500-950 €/t for e-methanol. This significant cost gap is because carbon emissions are not currently reflected in market prices. Regarding environmental analysis, methanol from green and renewable sources has less impacts considering cradle-to-gate emissions than fossil methanol. Overall, the study provides actionable insights to advance green methanol viability in a decarbonized economy. • Methanol production routes and plant configurations are reviewed. • Technological advances and optimal operating conditions are discussed. • Economic needs for scalable biomethanol and e-methanol production are addressed. • This review provides actionable insights to advance in the methanol industry.