Methanol as an Energy Source: From Fuel to Fuel Cells

ABSTRACT This review examines the pivotal role of methanol as an energy carrier within the renewable energy sector, providing a systematic exposition of its production technologies, application domains, and environmental implications. As a versatile fuel with clean combustion characteristics, methanol offers significant promise for the global energy transition. The article presents a detailed analysis of both conventional and renewable methanol synthesis routes, encompassing biomass conversion, water electrolysis–derived hydrogen, and emerging carbon capture and utilization pathways. In application, methanol serves not only as a fuel for internal‐combustion engines and as an additive to gasoline and diesel but also demonstrates considerable potential in fuel cell technologies. Compared to other alternative fuels, methanol exhibits distinct advantages in energy density, ease of storage and transport, and environmental performance. Through life‐cycle assessment, the study reveals marked differences in carbon footprints across various production routes and highlights the capacity of renewable methanol to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, methanol's corrosiveness, toxicity, and flammability pose challenges for its storage, distribution, and end use. To realize a sustainable methanol economy, breakthroughs are urgently required in catalyst development, infrastructure deployment, and policy support. This work provides both theoretical foundations and practical guidance for positioning methanol as a key component of future sustainable energy systems, thereby advancing global carbon‐neutrality objectives.