The Minimum Cost and the Highest Energy Efficiency of Major PtX Products: A Potential Analysis under Ideal Conditions

The transformation toward sustainable energy systems requires substantial amounts of H-2 and PtX derivatives to mitigate severe consequences of climate change. Renewable energy will be the primary energy source in the future which will dictate the integration and energy efficiency of processes in various aspects of the industry. Herein, major PtX vectors are discussed, namely, methanol, ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuels. These products currently represent around 4% of the global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The theoretical minimum feedstock of H-2, CO2, and N-2 required for these products is evaluated under ideal process conditions. Based on this simplified strategy, the lowest production costs and the highest theoretical energy efficiency achievable are evaluated. As a potential analysis, setting the boundaries can be technologically realized. A comparison with fossil-based counterparts PtX is introduced, reflecting the need for a reasonable CO2 certification system and effective mechanisms to allow the successful market penetration of PtX vectors. The scale of production to cover the market demand of the addressed PtX vectors, in terms of electrolyzer capacity, is discussed. The verdict reflects the need to ramp up renewable power generation and electrolyzer capacities for a sustainable transition of the considered sectors based on PtX derivatives.