eMethanol fired gas turbines: A climate neutral solution to the intermittency of renewable power supply
The global transition towards renewable energy sources is a crucial step in combating climate change. However, one of the most significant challenges associated with renewable energy is its intermittency. Solar and wind power generation, for instance, are dependent on weather conditions, making them inherently variable. To address this, energy systems need reliable solutions to ensure a consistent power supply while keeping greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a minimum. One such promising solution is the use of eMethanol fired gas turbines.
Gas turbines in power generation
Gas turbines are widely used for power generation due to their efficiency, reliability, and ability to quickly respond to changes in electricity demand. It works by compressing air, mixing it with fuel, and igniting the mixture in a combustion chamber. The high-temperature, high-pressure gases produced then expand through turbine blades, driving a generator to produce electricity. Traditionally, these turbines run on natural gas, a fossil fuel that emits significant amounts of CO2 when combusted.
Understanding eMethanol
eMethanol is a synthetic methanol. When produced using renewable electricity and captured CO2, it ensures carbon neutrality. This process involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere or industrial emissions and combining it with hydrogen (H2) derived from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. The result is a sutainable fuel that can be used in various applications, including transportation, chemical production, and power generation.
Advantages of eMethanol fired gas turbines
Grid stability and energy storage: By providing a consistent and controllable power output, eMethanol fired gas turbines can help maintain grid stability. They can ramp up quickly to meet peak demand or provide power during periods when renewable generation is insufficient. Moreover, excess electricity generated from solar or wind can be used to produce eMethanol, which can then be stored and used in gas turbines when renewable generation is low. This helps balance the grid and ensures a steady power supply.
Carbon neutrality: eMethanol is produced from CO2 and renewable hydrogen, making it a carbon-neutral fuel. When eMethanol is used in gas turbines, the CO2 emitted is equivalent to the CO2 captured during its production, resulting in a closed carbon cycle.
Reduced dependency on fossil fuels: Transitioning to eMethanol fired gas turbines reduces reliance on fossil fuels and helps decrease GHG emissions from the power sector. This shift contributes to global decarbonization efforts and aligns with international climate goals.
Challenges and future outlook
While the potential of eMethanol fired gas turbines is promising, several challenges need to be addressed, including;
Infrastructure and storage: Due to the different characteristics of natural gas and eMethanol, existing gas turbine infrastructure requires modifications to handle eMethanol.
Combustion characteristics: eMethanol burns at a lower temperature and flame speed than conventional fuels, necessitating turbine design modifications to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Supply chain and availability: The supply chain for eMethanol is still in its infancy, and ensuring consistent, reliable availability is crucial for large-scale adoption.
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts in technology development, policy support, and infrastructure investment to make eMethanol a feasible alternative for power generation.
Conclusion
eMethanol fired gas turbines offer a viable solution to the intermittency of renewable power supply. By leveraging the carbon-neutral properties of eMethanol and the flexibility of gas turbines, we can create a more stable and sustainable electricity grid. This approach not only addresses current energy challenges but also paves the way for a greener future, ensuring that renewable energy can be a dependable backbone of our power systems.
Content contributor
Jonas Alin, Project Director, Liquid Wind