Production of Bio-methanol

by CRI-Carbon Recycling

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS TO RENEWABLE METHANOL VALUE

CRI’s patented Emissions-to-Liquids™ (ETL) technology transforms carbon dioxide and hydrogen into methanol, for a greener, more renewable source of energy and chemical feedstock.

ETL is the most efficient CO₂ to methanol synthesis technology available on the market.

We are the first and only company to have realised CO₂ to methanol plants at commercial scale.

TECHNICALLY MATURE

INDUSTRIAL SCALE

ECONOMICALLY COMPETITIVE

Beginning in 2006, CRI has gained a real head start in operations, engineering and project execution.

Our process is technically mature having spent over a decade solving the challenges of emissions capture and conversion.

In 2012 we were the first company to produce renewable methanol at an industrial scale and 2022 saw the commissioning of the world’s first 110,000 tonnes/year capacity recycled carbon methanol production plant.

CRI’s EMISSIONS-TO-LIQUIDS, RENEWABLE METHANOL PROCESS ”ETL”

CO2 CAPTURE AND CLEAN UP

Waste gases are captured from the points of emission at the stack and transferred to the gas conditioning system where impurities are removed to produce carbon dioxide suitable for downstream methanol synthesis.

HYDROGEN GENERATION BY ELECTROLYSIS

Where a renewable electricity source is available, hydrogen can be generated by water electrolysis using MW-scale electrolyser technology.

HYDROGEN CAPTURE AND PROCESSING FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE STREAMS

Hydrogen can also be processed from by-product hydrogen available in some industrial waste streams.

CATALYTIC REACTOR

The catalytic conversion unit converts the gas into crude methanol, a mixture of methanol and water, at elevated temperature and pressure. This reaction is highly exothermic and heat can be recovered from the reactor to supply steam to the distillation unit.

METHANOL PURIFICATION

The crude methanol is separated into methanol at the required purity/quality and water in distillation columns.

RENEWABLE METHANOL

(E-METHANOL)

Hydrogen produced from water electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources, combined with CO₂.

RECYCLED CARBON METHANOL

(LOW CARBON METHANOL)

Hydrogen from by-product or waste gas, processed and combined with CO₂.

Our technology can help partners to produce renewable or recycled carbon methanol competitively at market prices without any dependence on subsidies. It can be deployed at all manufacturing sites which emit CO₂ to atmosphere with access to renewable energy through the grid.

Production of e-fuels

by Haldor Topsoe

GREEN AMMONIA SOLUTIONS

Ultra-efficient technology, decades of experience, and short times to market

GREEN HYDROGEN

Lynchpin of the energy transition

Green hydrogen is widely regarded as a key enabler of the global energy transition, as it provides an essential pathway for the rapid decarbonization of industries that cannot be directly electrified. These carbon intensive industries include aviation, shipping, steel, cement, fertilizer, chemical production and many more - which together, account for approximately 30% of global CO2 emissions. Whilst hydrogen has been used for over a century, its means of production must make way for newer and more sustainable methods.

About hydrogen?
Hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements on earth, and already plays a crucial role in today's energy landscape. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen's use tripled from 1975 to 2018. Whilst hydrogen is a dense and flexible energy carrier, when produced using fossil fuels, it emits a significant volume of CO2 emissions.

What is green hydrogen and how is it produced?
Green hydrogen is the product of electrolysis, a process that separates water into its two elemental components: hydrogen and oxygen. Electrolysis requires electrical current, which is supplied by renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric or nuclear power. This production method ensures that the hydrogen is generated with the lowest possible CO2 emissions.

Green hydrogen's role in the energy transition?
Green hydrogen will transform the energy landscape by providing a sustainable and scalable solution to meet both current and future energy needs. From its use as direct replacement for the fossil fuels currently powering heavy transport and industrial processes, green hydrogen can be easily synthesized into a range of eFuel derivatives. From eMethanol and green ammonia, to its role in the production of electrified Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) - green hydrogen is a true lynchpin of the energy transition.

Green Hydrogen Production

Understanding the electrolysis process

Green hydrogen is produced via electrolysis, which is commonly accomplished by using three different industrial technologies: high-temperature Solid-Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC); low-temperature alkaline electrolysis; and low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis. For alkaline and PEM electrolysis, water is supplied in a liquid state, whereas SOEC leverages steam.

The operation of the three technologies also differs. For SOEC, the breakdown of the steam takes place within the SOEC cell, with the steam being supplied at the cathode, where it is split via reduction into a green hydrogen molecule and oxide ions (O2-). The oxide ions are then transported through the electrolyte to the anode and oxidized into oxygen molecules.

During alkaline electrolysis, liquid is supplied at the cathode, where hydrogen production occurs. Hydroxide ions (OH-) are then transported over the electrolyte to produce oxygen molecules and water at the anode.

During PEM electrolysis, liquid water is supplied at the anode, where oxygen production occurs. Protons (H+) are then transported over the electrolyte to produce hydrogen at the cathode.

Three routes to H2

Whilst there are three main routes to ulta-low carbon hydrogen, SOEC is the clear leader.

The higher efficiency of Topsoe's SOEC technology compared with alkaline and PEM is driven by the fact that SOEC operates at a higher temperature, benefitting from faster kinetics and higher conductivity. As a result, Topsoe's SOEC electrolyzer runs at a lower voltage, which translates into a lower power consumption per unit of hydrogen produced.

E-METHANOL SOLUTIONS

Renewables-optimized, available in four capacities, and modular for simplicity and fast deployment, Topsoe’s ModuLite™ eMeOH plant is a winning methanol synthesis solution built on decades of industry leadership.

FACE THE FUTURE OF LOW-CARBON TRAVEL