Methanol — flexible energy and carbon vector for the achievement of the dual goals of decarbonization & carbon circularity

In a world with geopolitical conflicts and uncertainties, numerous import-dependent nations are facing a dilemma in achieving a parallel carbon transition from (1) fossils to renewables, (2) a linear to a circular carbon economy, and (3) reliance on imported to domestic carbon resources. Methanol could fill this critical role as both an energy and carbon vector for carbon-dependent industries. Based on the example of the German chemical industry, the potential of methanol for chemical production via chemical recycling with focus on gasification of anthropogenic (e.g. plastic-containing refuse-derived fuel and mixed plastics) and biogenic (e.g. bioresidues) carbon waste materials, as well as Power-to-X, to enable the achievement of the dual goals of decarbonization and carbon circularity is discussed. Potential opportunities and challenges of Methanol-based synthesis technologies are qualitatively assessed. With its reference to literature, this article aims to raise awareness of the untapped potential of methanol for the global sustainability transformation.