Clean technologies by Munters support world´s first industrial e-fuel plant

Background

We need carbon-neutral fuel accessible alternatives to fossil fuels on a large scale, to reduce carbon emissions and power a more sustainable future. Electrofuels can help get us there since they are a CO_₂-neutral alternative to conventional fossil energy carriers – shifting the energy demand to the use of renewable sources. The production of e-fuels requires electricity from renewable sources such as solar or wind, as well as water to produce hydrogen through electrolysis processes and CO₂ from direct air capture or end of pipe. Because e-fuels are produced by synthesizing hydrogen and carbon, they are called synthetic fuels. e-fuels are climate-friendly, compatible with conventional engines and easy to use. Their usage does not require any conversion and they can be distributed via existing tank and distribution infrastructures. Existing means of transport and heating can be converted environmentally friendly by using e-fuels. For example, trucks or airplanes, as well as construction machinery and oil-fired heating system can be operated in a climate-neutral manner.

Process overview

The project’s location in Chile was selected for its excellent wind conditions in terms of wind speed and availability. Wind turbines will turn wind energy into electricity using the aerodynamic force from the rotor blades. Then wind energy will be converted to green hydrogen via water electrolysis. And direct air capture equipment supported by Munters Mist Eliminators will harvest climate-neutral CO_₂. Instead of using methanol from fossil sources, it will be synthesized from this green hydrogen and CO_₂. These two gases are mixed to form the syngas and react to green methanol when they pass a catalyst. A MTG (Methanol To Gasoline) plant will be used to convert the green methanol to synthetic e-fuel. The synthetic e-fuel will be transported to Europe with container ships. One container has a loading capacity of 25,000 – 30,000 liters. Munters helps capture CO₂ out of thin air Carbon capture is the process of removing CO_₂ from large emission sources. The purpose of carbon capture is to limit the release of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere by capturing it and then utilizing it, (CCU) or storing it normally, (CCS). This project will use Global Thermostats (GT) direct air capture equipment together with Munters Mist elimination equipment to harvest climate-neutral CO₂ as part of the overall e-fuel generation process. GT uses dry amine-based chemical sorbents that are bonded to porous, honeycomb ceramic monoliths, which act as carbon sponges. These carbon sponges efficiently adsorb CO_₂ directly from the atmosphere. The captured CO_₂ is then stripped off and collected using low-temperature steam (85-100°C). The output results in 98% pure CO₂. Only steam and electricity are consumed during the process, without the creation of emissions or other effluents. Clean technologies by Munters in carbon capture Munters gas-liquid separators help anywhere liquids and gases need to be separated. Power plants, marine, steel and further process industries all benefit from Munters industry-leading expertise. Munters gas-liquid separation enhances process productivity, lowers emissions and helps reduce the environmental footprint of our customers. Gas-liquid separation is just one of the Clean technologies by Munters. Additionally, Munters can also offer Mass Transfer technology for different unit operation processes in CCS applications, and VOC abatement removes polluting solvents from the air. Clean technologies by Munters enhance process productivity while lowering emissions and reducing carbon footprint. Technologies that deliver clean air to the world.