Techno-Economic Assessment of the Integration of Direct Air Capture and the Production of Solar Fuels

Non-abatable emissions are one of the decarbonization challenges that could be addressed with carbon-neutral fuels. One promising production pathway is direct air capture (DAC) carbon dioxide, followed by a solar thermochemical cycle and liquid fuel synthesis. In this study, we explore different combinations these technologies to produce methanol from an economic perspective in order determine most efficient one. For purpose, model built simulated Aspen Plus®, field designed sized HFLCAL®. The inherent dynamics irradiation were considered meteorological data Meteonorm® at chosen location (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Four integration strategies assessed determining minimum selling price for each technology combination. These values compared against baseline no synergies between DAC fuels production. results show economical produced central low-temperature unit consumes low-quality waste heat downstream process. Additionally, it determined sensitivity analysis optimal annual 11.8 kt/y design thermal output 280 MW.