The controversial fuel methanol strategy in China and its evaluation

Methanol has already been used widely throughout the whole nation. This paper firstly analyzes the strategic development of the use of methanol as a fuel in China, including standards, organization and the present situation. It points out the different standpoints at home and abroad on the highly controversial issue as to whether China should develop fuel methanol. Then it evaluates current strategies and introduces GHG emission as an evaluation method to be accepted both home and abroad. Recommendations for policies of fuel methanol are given to improve operation mode. It is suggested that only coal-abundant provinces should continue to use M5 as their alternative fuel for gasoline, while all other areas and provinces should gradually abandon the use of methanol. A small scale application of M85 and M100 should still be used for evaluating methanol's influence on the environment.