electroMethanol-Rhône

Introduction

The eM-Rhône project will integrate several technologies for large-scale e-methanol production beyond the current state of the art. The project will combine renewable hydrogen production, carbon capture from an existing cement plant, and e-methanol synthesis. It aims to demonstrate an optimised synergy between these three mature building blocks to produce e-methanol. This will translate into a 99% relative greenhouse gas (GHG) emission avoidance compared to the reference scenario of methanol production from natural gas.

Renewable Hydrogen Production

In practice, 27 kilotonnes per year (kt/y) of renewable hydrogen are planned to be produced using 170 megawatt (MW) Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, powered with renewable energy.

Power Purchase Agreements

The electrolysers will combine different power purchase agreements that ensure additionality and traceability of the renewable power, while providing flexibility of electrolysis for the e-methanol plant.

Hydrogen Storage

In order to ensure continuous e-methanol production, the project will store hydrogen both in gaseous form and, innovatively, in solid state using metal hydrides.

Carbon Capture Implementation

Meanwhile, full-scale carbon capture is planned to be implemented at the Le Teil Blanc cement plant of Larfage Cement, capturing 195 kt/y of concentrated CO2 through an innovative cryogenic technology.

E-Methanol Synthesis

As a result, the plant will synthesise 138 kt/year of e-methanol using the renewable hydrogen and the captured CO2. Innovative monitoring of these building blocks will enable complete synergy and provide a competitive and green solution to the chemical market. This solution is expected to result in 2.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gases avoided over the first ten years of operation.

Strategic Contributions

Strategically, the project will contribute to the Renewable Energy Directive and the REPowerEU communication in its goal to:

1. Roll out renewables
2. Reach a domestic production of renewable hydrogen of 10 million tonnes a year by 2030
3. Reduce fossil fuel consumption in industry and transport

Economic Impact

The eM-Rhône project will provide the chemical industry and local off-takers with a sustainable low-carbon substitute for fossil fuels. It will thus have a strong impact on the Rhône basin region, creating more than 300 qualified jobs.

Local Economic Benefits

The investment will further benefit the local economy, promoting regional collaboration and supporting the competitiveness of the cement and chemicals industry.

Scalability Potential

The project also has significant scalability potential to double its e-methanol production capacity through the creation of economies of scale and synergies in the context of the wider eM-France Elyse Energy program.