Road Map and Business Development of the Methanol Society
摘要
This chapter outlines a comprehensive road map for transitioning to a methanol-based society, presenting milestones in technology development, infrastructure deployment, and policy alignment. The road map envisions a phased approach: in the short term, methanol adoption will rely on fossil-based CO₂; in the mid-term, industrial CO₂ capture and renewable hydrogen will scale up; and in the long term, a fully circular carbon economy will emerge using direct air capture and green methanol synthesis. Central to this transition is the establishment of robust methanol supply chains—including CO₂ sources, hydrogen production, methanol synthesis, storage, transport, and end-use infrastructure. The development of viable methanol businesses is also emphasized as a driver for investment, innovation, and international trade. Creating a value chain that connects CO₂ emitters, renewable energy providers, and chemical or fuel consumers is critical. This chapter introduces the concept of “methanol hubs” to concentrate resources and reduce logistical burdens. Success will depend on coordinated policy support, public-private partnerships, and measurable implementation targets. The road map highlights the need for system-level integration to ensure that the methanol economy becomes both technically viable and economically sustainable.