Zero-emission methanol for international shipping

Abstract

International shipping requires viable solutions to achieve its net-zero target by mid-century. This study proposes a system for producing zero-emission methanol for the shipping sector using renewable energy combined with air-captured CO₂. Using mainland China as a case study, we develop an optimization framework to identify the optimal system configuration for both onshore and offshore settings. Results indicate that a carbon price of approximately 73–153 USD per tonne could make zero-emission methanol cost- competitive with diesel for meeting China’s international shipping fuel demand by 2030. Solar power emerges as the dominant energy source for methanol production, supplemented by onshore and offshore wind. Renewable resource availability and proximity to ports are critical factors for siting methanol production. Furthermore, onboard CO₂ capture could reduce system costs and provide flexibility in carbon sourcing. The proposed modeling framework, integrating renewable resources and carbon utilization technologies, can be applied to evaluate the potential of other sustainable fuels.

Keywords

zero-emission methanol / renewable energy / techno-economics / carbon capture

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Higher Education Press 2026

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