Solar methanol production in Europe versus import

Abstract

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning from fossil to renewable fuels is essential. Concentrated solar thermal power using redox materials offers a promising decarbonization route. We develop a simulation model for methanol production using hydrogen from a monolithic redox reactor, optimizing components to minimize the levelized cost of methanol. As a first numerical example, we apply the model to Almería/Spain – one of Europe's highest solar potential areas – and compare the resulting costs with imports from more suitable regions. Preliminary data estimates the methanol cost in Almería/Spain at 932 €/ton, 6% higher than in Riyadh/Saudi Arabia and 33% higher than in De Aar/South Africa. Under these assumptions, imports remain more cost-effective than local production in Spain. Future work should focus on improving the model’s data and exploring opportunities to reduce solar methanol costs, enhancing its competitiveness with other renewable sources.