Cost-effective low-carbon power-to-methanol production via flexible operation of reversible solid oxide cells

Abstract

While Power-to-Methanol is considered a key strategy for achieving decarbonization in the chemical and petrochemical industries, it faces substantial limitations, including high production costs and challenges arising from the intermittency and variability of renewable energy sources. In this study, a novel Power-to-Methanol system based on a reversible solid oxide cell (RSOC) was developed to significantly reduce methanol production costs while minimizing reliance on energy storage systems. The RSOC improves system stability and economic performance by flexibly switching between electrolysis and fuel cell modes in response to fluctuations in renewable energy supply. Technical feasibility was evaluated through detailed energy and economic analyses. Under specified design conditions, the proposed system achieved an overall energy efficiency of 53.41 %. The levelized cost of methanol was estimated at $725.97/t, representing a 61.8 % reduction compared to that of a conventional Power-to-Methanol system ($1,898.12/t). Sensitivity analysis incorporating variations in electricity prices and stack costs further indicated the potential for methanol production costs to fall below current market levels. These results demonstrate that the proposed system offers high reliability and economic viability as a low-carbon solution and is expected to serve as a foundational technology for renewable energy-based methanol production systems. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.