During the National Two Sessions, Li Can, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and researcher at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, proposed two motions: "Supporting the Development of Solar Thermal Power Generation Technology to Achieve Large-Scale Stable Grid Connection of Photovoltaic and Wind Power" and "Large-Scale Conversion and Absorption of Photovoltaic and Wind Power and Other Renewable Energies through Liquid Solar Methanol." He called for support for the development of solar thermal power generation technology to achieve large-scale stable grid connection of photovoltaic and wind power. Through liquid solar methanol, the conversion and absorption of photovoltaic and wind power and other renewable energies on a large scale were proposed to achieve the "dual carbon" goal.
1. What are green hydrogen and liquid solar methanol technologies?
"Essentially, it's about using methanol to store, transport, and utilize solar energy," explained Academician Li Can. The process of liquid solar involves two steps: producing "green hydrogen" from clean energy sources like solar power and then using this green hydrogen to react with carbon dioxide to produce methanol or other fuels and chemicals.
2. Which regions are suitable for developing liquid solar methanol projects?
Academician Li Can mentioned that many regions with a concentration of coal chemical industries, such as Yulin in Shaanxi, Ningdong in Ningxia, Ordos in Inner Mongolia, have long been plagued by high carbon emissions. These regions also happen to have abundant wind and solar resources, making them suitable for developing liquid solar methanol synthesis projects. This approach transforms unstable renewable energy into storable green methanol, addressing both carbon reduction and local economic development.
3. How is green methanol used after it's produced?
"Green methanol can be burned in internal combustion engines just like gasoline, but it emits only water and hydrogen, making it environmentally friendly," stated Academician Li Can. Relevant technologies are already mature. The "14th Five-Year Plan for Industrial Green Development" published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology includes methanol vehicles as green products, promoting the adoption of methanol-fueled vehicles. Currently, methanol fuel is being developed and promoted in the shipping industry. As early as 2012 to 2018, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology led large-scale methanol vehicle pilot projects, comprehensively verifying the environmental, applicability, and reliability of methanol fuel and methanol vehicles.
4. Is the application of liquid solar energy storage expensive?
Li Can, Academician, said, "The cost of liquid solar is already approaching that of other energy sources. As relevant technologies mature and the share of renewable energy increases, its price will continue to decrease and will ultimately prevail." Academician Li Can did the math: "One ton of methanol is equivalent to absorbing more than 6,000 kWh of electricity. A medium-sized enterprise with a production capacity of 1 million tons of methanol can absorb 6 billion kWh of electricity, indicating enormous energy storage potential."
5. What is the current status of China's solar thermal power generation industry, and what recommendations do you have for its development?
Academician Li Can stated that, relative to the rapid development of solar thermal power generation technology and industry globally, China's research and development projects in this field are relatively insufficient. To promote industry development, he has two recommendations. First, he suggests giving more attention to solar thermal power generation in national science and technology plans, planning and implementing original basic research and new technology development projects for solar thermal power generation in the "14th Five-Year Plan" and future national science and technology plans led by the Ministry of Science and Technology and other departments. Second, he proposes establishing new technology leading demonstration projects, encouraging collaboration between enterprises and research institutions to jointly undertake research and development projects. During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, advanced technology demonstration and new technology leading projects should be jointly arranged by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Energy Administration to drive technological development and industrialization.
6. Any words for young people?
Academician Li Can advises the country to focus on nurturing talents in the field of science and technology and provide support to young scientific and technological workers in related fields. "From the perspective of national and human development, these hardcore technologies are indispensable," he said. Many young people nowadays want to "work less and make more money" in business, economics, and operations, but these fields are like grass growing on the ground; without the foundation of industrial hardcore technology, they cannot operate. Li Can emphasizes, "In the face of national needs, families should also provide the right guidance. Otherwise, if everyone chooses to do easy things and wants to enjoy more, where will the social wealth come from?" From a national perspective, rigid, hardcore technology cannot be bought; it must have independent innovation capabilities. Personally, researchers always need to make tangible, visible contributions to the country, and not engage in superficial activities.
Additional Information
Perfectlight Technology's Direct Solar Array-Type Flat Plate Photochemical Reaction System
To achieve the "dual carbon" goal, Perfectlight Technology has also contributed in its field and will continue to do so. In 2020, Perfectlight Technology, commissioned by Academician Li Can's team, custom developed a direct solar array-type flat plate photochemical reaction system with a reaction area of 5 m2. It utilizes solar photocatalytic technology for photochemical reactions. The system uses an array arrangement, with photocatalysts coated on the surface of the reaction system. It uses external direct sunlight to complete the photocatalytic decomposition of water. The direct solar array-type flat plate photochemical reaction system can monitor parameters such as irradiance, ultraviolet radiation, total irradiance, solution pH, ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential), and temperature at the inlet, outlet, and intermediate points of the reaction system. To achieve the best effective light angle, the bracket can be adjusted within a range of 20° to 70°. It also has the necessary performance for outdoor use, including IP5 waterproofing, weather resistance, and resistance to temperature shocks.
"The road to carbon neutrality is long and challenging, and Perfectlight Technology will continue to contribute in the field of photocatalysis and related research,"
