Methanol as the energy vector of a new climate-neutral energy system

A new energy system is proposed whereby primary fossil fuel like coal and natural gas can be utilized together with a modest use ofnuclear high temperature reactor process heat with almost no release of CO2(and other chemical contaminants) into the atmosphere. This system could be considered if one is forced to establish a ''climate-neutral energy system'' avoiding greenhouse effects on this planet. The principle idea is to convert fossil fuels into methanol by means of process heat reactors, because methanol is a logistically ideal energy carrier for transoceanic transports. The methanol can then be converted into electricity or hydrogen for decentralized applications. In both cases the carbon dioxide is produced centrally and in pure form under pressure and can be condensed and disposed of in the deep ocean. The main message of this paper is that the energy balance of this CO2-trapped system is relatively favourable and it seems to be possible to drive it mainly with fossil fuels. Furthermore, this has the energy advantage of recuperating the energy content of the fossil fuels which would be impossible when starting a pure hydrogen energy system using water splitting processes alone. (author)