A quantitative roadmap for China towards carbon neutrality in 2060 using methanol and ammonia as energy carriers

Carbon neutrality by 2060 is the recent expression of China's international commitment to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. Energy and chemical sectors, the two main contributors for carbon dioxide emissions in China, are the biggest bottlenecks for reaching the objective of carbon neutrality. Moreover, coal-to ammonia production and coal-to-methanol production are the major CO2 emission process contributors in China's coal chemical sector. Herein, a possible route to the carbon neutral target based on energy-chemical nexus for electricity generation as well as methanol and ammonia production is proposed in this study. The most cost-effective solution for meeting the commitment is identified by considering regional variations in renewable and non-renewable resources and adopting an optimized regional cooperation. According to the roadmap presented in this study, an optimized combination of fossil fuels and renewable energies forming ''blue energy economy'' is feasible and promising.

Automated summary

China's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 involves addressing carbon dioxide emissions from the energy and chemical sectors, with coal-to ammonia and coal-to-methanol production being major contributors. The study proposes a possible route to carbon neutrality through energy-chemical nexus, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation and resource optimization. An optimized combination of fossil fuels and renewable energies forming a ''blue energy economy'' is identified as a feasible and promising solution.