Towards carbon neutrality: A sustainable approach to renewable olefins production in terms of energy, economic, and environmental development

Abstract

Comprehensive solutions to the escalating global warming issue are being sought across diverse fields. Particularly, the industrial sector, responsible for over 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, is witnessing an urgent need for effective carbon dioxide reduction measures. Ongoing research is delving into a spectrum of strategies and intricate technological advancements to address this critical challenge. In the realm of environmental science and engineering, innovative approaches such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, renewable energy integration, and sustainable industrial practices are being explored. The aim is not only to curb emissions but also to foster a paradigm shift towards ecofriendly and resource efficient processes. In the industrial sector, the emission of greenhouse gases from petrochemical processes exceeds 15%, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive carbon dioxide reduction strategies within this domain. Addressing this issue goes beyond simple emissions regulation; it requires a multidisciplinary approach involving advancements in process optimization, the utilization of sustainable feedstocks, and the integration of innovative technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage. This holistic strategy aims not only to mitigate environmental impact but also to catalyze a transformative shift towards sustainability in the petrochemical industry. The proposed strategy in this study revolves around the renewable olefins production process. While various methods exit for olefins production, substantial research has been dedicated to sustainable olefins production processes. This study, as a contribution to this field, specifically delves into a sustainable process utilizing methanol to olefins conversion. The selection of methanol as a feedstock and its subsequent conversion to olefins exemplify a promising avenue for sustainable chemical production, holding potential benefits for various aspects within the petrochemical industry. The proposed approach to sustainable olefins production lies in the utilization of renewable methanol synthesis. This method involves the direct conversion of hydrogen and carbon dioxide into methanol. When renewable hydrogen or captured carbon dioxide is employed as the raw material, significant environmental benefits are underscored. The use of these renewable resources not only contributes to environmental well being but also aligns with the principles of green chemistry. This demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and offers a potential avenue for reducing the environmental impact associated with olefins production in the petrochemical industry. Moreover, in this study, the concept of process intensification was applied to achieve additional energy savings. Typically, significant energy is consumed in separation processes, and considerable energy is expended in heat management. These processes were improved, and alternatives were proposed through energy analysis. This approach not only aligns with the broader goals of sustainable engineering but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of industrial operations. However, for the proposal of these strategies, a valid rationale is required, and to achieve this, a feasibility analysis is undertaken. Broadly, various indicators were calculated and evaluated from the perspectives of energy, economic, and environmental impacts. Through a multi criteria decision analysis that took all these criteria into account, the optimal approach was determined across various scenarios. To accomplish the outlined objectives, Aspen software facilitated the comprehensive process design of the proposed system. Subsequently, based on the acquired data, a meticulous feasibility analysis unfolded. In the economic assessment, scrutiny was applied to the unit olefins production cost through itemized cost estimation. Variability was introduced to estimate the unit olefins production cost under diverse conditions, considering factors influencing costs. Additionally, the environmental viability analysis involved a life cycle assessment to quantify carbon dioxide emissions, along with various scenario analyses. In conclusion, the application of the analytic hierarchy process, a decision- making methodology that considers weighted criteria, was conducted. A range of strategies emerged by synthesizing diverse numerical outcomes, taking into account multiple priorities.