Evaluating the Sustainability of the Natural Gas-Based Methanol-to-Gasoline Industry: A Global Systematic Review

Hussein Al-Yafei (), Saleh Aseel and Ali Ansaruddin Kunju
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Hussein Al-Yafei: College of Engineering and Technology, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha P.O. Box 24449, Qatar
Saleh Aseel: College of Engineering and Technology, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha P.O. Box 24449, Qatar
Ali Ansaruddin Kunju: College of Engineering and Technology, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha P.O. Box 24449, Qatar

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-21

Abstract: The sustainability of the natural gas-to-methanol (NGTM) and methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) processes are assessed in this systematic review as a potential substitute in the global energy transition. Methanol offers itself as a versatile and less carbon-intensive substitute for conventional gasoline in light of growing environmental concerns and the demand for cleaner fuels. This review’s rationale is to assess MTG’s ability to lessen environmental impact while preserving compatibility with current fuel infrastructure. The goal is to examine methanol and gasoline’s effects on the environment, society, and economy throughout their life cycles. This review used a two-phase systematic literature review methodology, filtering and evaluating studies that were indexed by Scopus using bibliometric and thematic analysis. A total of 25 documents were reviewed, in which 22 documents analyzed part of this study, and 68% employed LCA or techno-economic analysis, with the U.S. contributing 35% of the overall publications. A comparative analysis of the reviewed literature indicates that methanol-based fuels offer significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and life cycle environmental impacts than gasoline, particularly when combined with carbon capture and renewable feedstocks. This review also highlights benefits, such as improved safety and energy security, while acknowledging challenges, including high production costs, infrastructure adaptation, and toxicity concerns. Several drawbacks are high manufacturing costs, the necessity to adjust infrastructure, and toxicity issues. The report suggests investing in renewable methanol production, AI-driven process optimization, and robust legislative frameworks for integrating green fuels. The life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) of NGTM and MTG systems should be investigated in future studies, particularly in light of different feedstock and regional circumstances. The findings emphasize NGTM and MTG’s strategic role in aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and add to the worldwide conversation on sustainable fuels. A strong transition necessitates multi-stakeholder cooperation, innovation, and supporting policies to fully realize the sustainability promise of cleaner fuels like methanol.

Keywords: natural gas-to-methanol (NGTM); methanol-to-gasoline (MTG); sustainability assessment; additives industry; sustainable development; energy transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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