ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the technology for the production of methanol from biomass. Methanol is produced by a catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. Through gasification solid biomass is converted into synthesis gas. Many gasification methods are available for synthesis gas production. Gasifiers demand oxygen, provided as air, pure oxygen, or combination of the two. A potential for cost reduction is the development of air separation units based on conductive ionic transfer membranes that operate on the partial pressure differential of oxygen to passively produce pure oxygen. The methanol production costs are calculated by dividing the total annual costs of a system by the produced amount of methanol. Methanol from biomass could become a major alternative for the transport sector in a world constrained by greenhouse gas emission limits and high oil prices. Methanol can be the source for hydrogen via on board reforming.
