Methanol fuel

Methanol fuel is an alternative biofuel for internal combustion and other engines, either in combination with gasoline or independently. Methanol (CH3OH) is less expensive to sustainably produce than ethanol fuel, although it is more toxic than ethanol and has a lower energy density than gasoline. Methanol is safer for the environment than gasoline, is an anti-freeze agent, prevents dirt and grime buildup within the engine, has a higher ignition temperature, and produces horsepower equivalent to that of super high-octane gasoline.[1] It can readily be used in most modern engines.[2] To prevent vapor lock due to being a simple, pure fuel, a small percentage of other fuel or certain additives can be included. Methanol may be made from fossil fuels or renewable resources, in particular natural gas and coal, or biomass respectively. In the case of the latter, it can be synthesized from CO2 (carbon dioxide) and hydrogen.[3] The vast majority of methanol produced globally is currently made with gas and coal.[4] However, projects, investments, and the production of green-methanol has risen steadily into 2023.[5][6][7][8][9] Methanol fuel is currently used by racing cars in many countries and has seen increasing adoption by the maritime industry.

In 2022, the worldwide biomethanol market was around 120 million USD. Most of it is currently made from biomass.[10] Companies investing significantly in biomethanol production and research include Enerkem, Södra, Methanex, Alberta Pacific, and BASF.[11]

  1. ^ "Pump The Movie Methanol Clip". YouTube. 23 November 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Methanol Wins". National Review. December 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  3. ^ "Technology". Carbon Recycling International. 2011. Archived from the original on 17 June 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Biomethanol-from-biogas plant begins operation in Italy | Bioenergy Insight Magazine". www.bioenergy-news.com. 2023-07-18. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  6. ^ "Amsterdam biomethanol plant granted environment permit". 9 May 2023.
  7. ^ "Green methanol key to energy transition net-zero plans". www.spglobal.com. 2022-09-30. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  8. ^ Higgins, Marisa (2023-07-07). "BP Expands Investment in WasteFuel for Bio-Methanol Production". Environment+Energy Leader. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  9. ^ "CIB provides $277 loan to Varennes Carbon Recycling project | Biomassmagazine.com". biomassmagazine.com. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  10. ^ "Bio Methanol Market Size and Share | Forecast - 2031". Business Research Insights. March 11, 2024. Retrieved 2024-03-29.
  11. ^ "Bio Methanol Market size growing with a CAGR of 24.51%: Growth Outlook from 2022 to 2030, projecting market trends analysis by Application, Regional Outlook, and Revenue". GlobeNewswire (Press release). 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2024-03-29.