• Methanol is a low-carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants, and natural gas.
  • When the methanol is produced renewably and without polluting emissions, it is known as Green Methanol.

How is it produced?

  • It has been produced from biomass (bio-methanol) or captured carbon dioxide combined with green hydrogen (e-methanol).

Where can it be used?

  • Blending of 15% methanol in gasoline can result in at least 15% reduction in the import of gasoline/crude oil.
  • Can bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, thereby improving the urban air quality.
  • Since it is a liquid at room temperature, making it easy to store and transport.
  • It is used as a raw material in plastic, chemical and energy sector.
What is  Methanol Economy

  •  It focuses at reducing India’s oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol.
  • Methanol Economy will also create close to 5 million jobs
  • Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20% DME (Di-methyl Ether, a derivative of methanol) in LPG.

 

Source: The Hindu