ClimateJuly 10, 2026
methanol
/ˈmɛθ.ə.nɒl/
Definition
A type of simple alcohol that can be synthesized as a low-carbon e-fuel using captured carbon dioxide as a primary chemical feedstock.
Etymology
The word is a chemical compound formed from the Greek 'methy' (wine) and 'hylē' (matter or wood), reflecting its historical origin as 'wood alcohol'. It was named in the 19th century as part of a systematic scientific effort to classify alcohols.
In the news
In the article, methanol is listed as an example of an e-fuel that can be created by repurposing captured carbon dioxide, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Beyond Storage: How Captured Carbon Can Be Utilized
Read the full article ↗Bipartisan Policy Center