An outlook towards 2030: Optimization and design of a CCUS supply chain in Germany. (9th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leonzio, Grazia; Foscolo, Pier Ugo; Zondervan, Edwin
• Is Part Of: Computers & chemical engineering. Volume 125(2019)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 513
• Publication Date: 2019-06-09
• Subjects: CCUS supply chain network -- Mathematical model -- Optimization -- CO2 reduction -- Methane dry reforming -- Methanol; Chemical engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 660.0285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2019.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-1354

Abstract

Highlights: A novel methodology to produce methanol via CO2 utilization and methane dry reforming. An extensive set of data regarding CO2 emissions from flue gases in German regions. Absorption is the preferred capture solution at high flue gas flow rate. Hydrogen via water electrolysis for dry reforming reaction is the best solution. Abstract: A mathematical model for the optimal design of a supply chain for carbon capture, utilization and storage is developed. Carbon dioxide may be stored and/or utilized to produce methanol via methane dry reforming. The Mixed Integer Linear Program model is developed for ten major carbon dioxide emission sources in Germany. Three different cases are considered, according to hydrogen production route required to correct the syngas composition: hydrogen by external reforming, hydrogen by external water electrolysis, hydrogen by internal steam reforming. Results show that absorption is the preferred capture solutions at high flue gas flow rate. Results also show that the best option is providing hydrogen by water electrolysis, because a higher amount of carbon dioxide is used to produce the same amount of methanol with lower environmental impact. The proposed network produces 203 Mton/year of methanol, then Germany would be able to satisfy the world methanol demand in the next years. Carbon tax and economic incentives are required to reduce the methanol production cost to 340 €/ton: only in this case the process is economically feasible.