In Kasso, Denmark has started the first-ever commercial-scale e-methanol plant

What is Methanol?

About: Methanol (CH₃OH) is a lightweight, volatile, and ignitable liquid alcohol. Traditionally derived from natural gas and coal, it is utilized in fuels, chemicals, and plastics.

Applications: Utilized in fuel shipping, plastic manufacturing, fuel cell production, etc.

Obstacles in Adopting e-Methanol

Expensive: Currently not competitive in price with fossil fuels; cost equality anticipated by 2035.

Production Scale: The infrastructure for large-scale green methanol is in its early stages.

CO₂ Sourcing: Capturing CO₂ in a sustainable and dependable manner continues to be a technological hurdle.

Storage and Distribution: Requires updated or modified logistics facilities.

India's Methanol Economic Initiative

About: Initiated by NITI Aayog, the Methanol Economy Initiative seeks to lower oil import expenses, diminish pollution, and encourage cleaner fuel options.

Key Pillars: The production of methanol derived from coal, biomass, and municipal waste can be utilized in LPG mixtures, power generation, and transportation, ultimately aiding in decreasing India’s oil import expenses and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The initiative aims for a 10% decrease in crude oil imports by 2030 by replacing it with methanol.

Government Programs and Developments: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched the Methanol Economy Research Programme (MERP) aimed at fostering research and development in the production and use of methanol.

The incorporation of 15% methanol into gasoline (M15) has been announced, and testing standards are in the process of being created.

The National Policy on Biofuels 2018 acknowledges methanol and DME (dimethyl ether) as alternative energy sources.