Electrification pathways for sustainable syngas production: A comparative analysis for low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch technology

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.305
• Publication Date: 2024-07-27T04:10:49Z
• Authors: Afroditi Kourou; Simon De Langhe; Lander Nelis; Yannick Ureel; Matthijs Ruitenbeek; Kees Biesheuvel; Ronald Wevers; Yi Ouyang; Kevin M. Van Geem
• Keywords: Autothermal reforming; ELECTROLYZER; Technology and Engineering; HYDROGEN-PRODUCTION; Electrified chemicals; Combined steam and dry reforming of methane; Electrolysis; CARBON-DIOXIDE; METHANE; GAS; Earth and Environmental Sciences; COMBINED STEAM; REACTORS; CO2; Techno-economic analysis

The electrification of chemical processes holds promise for a sustainable and climate-neutral chemical industry. This study explores pathways for electrifying syngas production, targeting its utilization in low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch (LT-FT) technology with a hydrocarbon production capacity of 222 kton/yr. Three electrified scenarios are juxtaposed against a reference case of autothermal reforming of biomethane. In the first two scenarios, H2 is produced via water electrolysis, with CO obtained either through CO2 electrolysis (Electrolysis case) or electrified reverse water-gas shift (E-rWGS case). The third scenario leverages captured CO2 and biomethane for electrified combined steam and dry reforming of methane (CSDRM case), exhibiting the lowest net emissions of 0.50 tonCO2/tonproduct. All electrified scenarios achieve net negative emissions under the EU's 2030 target of 40% overall renewable energy production. A detailed techno-economic analysis reveals significant feasibility challenges with the Electrolysis, E-rWGS, and CSDRM cases exhibiting a Levelized Cost Of Production (LCOP) of $501, $457, and $251 per barrel (bbl) of Fischer-Tropsch crude, respectively. Future projections suggest considerable capital cost reductions for electrolyzers, potentially rendering the Electrolysis case feasible, particularly under extremely low electricity prices of 3.3 $/MWh. Careful consideration of green electricity and CO2 utilization scenarios is vital for implementing CO2-negative technologies effectively.