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Forschungszentrum Jülich develops green methanol production for water-scarce regions
Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich have developed a method to produce green methanol in water-scarce regions by extracting both CO2 and water directly from the atmosphere. This approach, known as the DryHy process, addresses a major contradiction in the energy transition: regions with high solar and wind potential often suffer from significant water shortages.
The process utilizes Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. While traditional DAC focuses on capturing CO2, the Jülich concept utilizes specific sorption materials that also absorb moisture from the air. This captured water is then used in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) to produce synthesis gas, which is subsequently converted into liquid methanol.
A techno-economic study modeling over 20,000 regions across 78 countries found that in 97% of areas facing water stress, the air provides sufficient moisture to sustain methanol production. This makes methanol a viable, transportable, and climate-neutral energy carrier for industries such as shipping and chemicals, even in arid environments like deserts.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Methanol can serve as a climate-neutral replacement for fossil fuels in the chemical industry and shipping. www.pv-magazine.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The DryHy process uses Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) to create synthesis gas from captured CO2 and water. www.automagazin.at
- [● 2 SOURCES] Direct Air Capture (DAC) processes can collect water from the air as a byproduct alongside CO2. www.automagazin.at · www.pv-magazine.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] In 97% of more than 20,000 water-stressed regions, the air contains sufficient moisture to meet methanol production needs. www.ingenieur.de · www.pv-magazine.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich developed the DryHy approach to produce green methanol using water and CO2 captured from the air. www.automagazin.at · www.ingenieur.de · www.pv-magazine.de