World’s First CO2 to Methanol Plant

Current Context : NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) has launched the world’s first CO2-to-methanol plant at its Vindhyachal thermal power plant in Madhya Pradesh.

• Aim : to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to India’s transition to a low-carbon economy by producing methanol, a cleaner fuel alternative
• The plant will convert 20 tonnes of CO2 per day into 10 tonnes of methanol using a catalytic hydrogenation process.

About Methanol (CH3OH)

• Also Known As: Methyl alcohol or wood alcohol.
• Properties: Methanol is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid that mixes completely with water. It has an odor similar to ethanol (drinking alcohol).
• Chemical Simplicity: It is the simplest type of alcohol, making it easy to produce and versatile in various industries.