Powering base stations with green methanol derived from distributed renewable energy

In the coming years, renewable energy generation and new power sources will become the dominant trends toward alleviating extreme climate change and realizing carbon neutrality. A technical route to synthesize green methanol using local curtailment to empower 4G/5G communication base stations is proposed in this study. Experiments were conducted on the preparation of calcium oxide by hydrogenation of natural limestone, the adsorption of carbon dioxide from methanol combustion exhaust by calcium oxide, and the concrete preparation by mixing carbonated calcium oxide into cement. The feasibility of downstream carbon sequestration was verified. On the basis of the proposed green methanol supply chain, the cost per kWh is 0.56 $/kWh and the emission is 0.07 kg CO2-eq/kWh with 5000 h of annual operation of the proton-exchange membrane fuel cell. This study provides a new perspective and solution for realizing resource recycling and sustainable development. © 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC