A comparative techno-economic analysis for implementation of carbon dioxide to chemicals processes

Abstract

CO₂-based carbon-neutral organics production processes could potentially reshape the chemical industry. However, their feasibility and net carbon footprint rely strongly on the sources of H₂. Herein, we present a comprehensive comparative techno-economic analysis of CO₂-based methanol (CO₂TM) and α-olefins (CO₂TO) manufacturing using various feedstock supply modes: (1) the standalone mode with external CO₂ but H₂ from on-site water electrolysis, (2) the integrated mode with both CO₂ and H₂ recovered from coal-chemical plants, and (3) the integrated mode with recycled CO₂ but H₂ from on-site water electrolysis. The integration of CO₂TM and CO₂TO into coal-to-olefins (CTO) and coal-to-methanol (CTM) facilities is currently cost-effective and can reduce net CO₂ emissions by 65.7% and 68.5%, resulting in a three-fold and two-fold increase in carbon efficiency, respectively. As carbon tax policies and electrolysis technologies continue to evolve, standalone CO₂TM and CO₂TO are projected to become more economically competitive than CTO and CTM by 2035–2045.