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Wind energy and carbon dioxide utilisation as an alternative business model for energy producers: A case study in Spain

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  • González-Aparicio, I.
  • Kapetaki, Z.
  • Tzimas, E.

Abstract

Renewable energy sources for electricity and more efficient processes are needed to decrease greenhouse gas emission rates, in line with the Paris agreement adopted in 2015. Carbon dioxide utilization is emerging as a complementary technology to carbon dioxide capture and storage for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and as a promising source of competitive advantage for European industry. Current carbon dioxide utilisation technologies are at different stages of maturity, with some being ready to implement immediately. Others are still under research or at a pilot or demonstration phase, requiring further development to reach commercial maturity. Thus, the profitability of such processes under current market conditions is still under evaluation. This study explores the conditions required for an environmentally and economically feasible methanol producing carbon dioxide utilisation system embedded in the energy system. The choice to produce methanol is based on its current mature commercial status and on growing global demand, which makes it an attractive product. The concept proposed considers only one system actor: a wind power producer with a typical operating wind power generation portfolio that invests in a new technology to maximise the total profit. The core of the business model is based on decisions for: (i) selling the wind power in the day-ahead or intraday bidding sessions of the power market or, (ii) producing methanol to be sold to third parties. Several scenarios are tested within the proposed business model to define optimum conditions. Limitations for the economic feasibility of the methanol plant integration into a market with an increasing integration of renewable energy are also highlighted. Results show that producing methanol instead of selling the wind power generated in the market is more profitable when the methanol plant size is three times smaller than a conventional and when power is generated by high speed winds. Under such conditions, the power market energy mix has high amounts of wind power and thus, already a significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions rate. Wind power supplied to the small methanol plant is less than 1% of the total wind energy produced. Furthermore, the wind producer could increase profits by up to 33% by integrating methanol production into their business strategy rather than selling all the energy produced in the power market.

Suggested Citation

  • González-Aparicio, I. & Kapetaki, Z. & Tzimas, E., 2018. "Wind energy and carbon dioxide utilisation as an alternative business model for energy producers: A case study in Spain," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C), pages 216-227.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:222:y:2018:i:c:p:216-227
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.03.114
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Kotowicz, J. & Brzęczek, M., 2021. "Methods to increase the efficiency of production and purification installations of renewable methanol," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 568-583.
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    4. Ravikumar, Dwarakanath & Keoleian, Gregory & Miller, Shelie, 2020. "The environmental opportunity cost of using renewable energy for carbon capture and utilization for methanol production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    5. Don Rukmal Liyanage & Kasun Hewage & Hirushie Karunathilake & Gyan Chhipi-Shrestha & Rehan Sadiq, 2021. "Carbon Capture Systems for Building-Level Heating Systems—A Socio-Economic and Environmental Evaluation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-30, September.
    6. Bos, M.J. & Kersten, S.R.A. & Brilman, D.W.F., 2020. "Wind power to methanol: Renewable methanol production using electricity, electrolysis of water and CO2 air capture," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    7. Rövekamp, Patrick & Schöpf, Michael & Wagon, Felix & Weibelzahl, Martin & Fridgen, Gilbert, 2021. "Renewable electricity business models in a post feed-in tariff era," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    8. Frade, P.M.S. & Santana, J.J.E. & Shafie-khah, M. & Catalão, J.P.S., 2018. "Impact of tertiary reserve sharing in Portugal," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 167-177.
    9. Zhang, Qianxiao & Shah, Syed Ale Raza & Yang, Ling, 2022. "Modeling the effect of disaggregated renewable energies on ecological footprint in E5 economies: Do economic growth and R&D matter?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
    10. Kotowicz, Janusz & Węcel, Daniel & Brzęczek, Mateusz, 2021. "Analysis of the work of a “renewable” methanol production installation based ON H2 from electrolysis and CO2 from power plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C).

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