CO2-based methane : an overlooked solution for the energy transition

Background: Fossil fuels can be replaced with electricity and hydrogen. However, the implementation and use of these low-carbon energy carriers require a sociotechnical transition. This transition might not be completed in time. Main text: CO2-based methane is a substitute for natural gas that is less carbon-intensive. This methane is synthesized by capturing CO2 from air and by performing water electrolysis to produce hydrogen. CO2-based methane is compatible with our current fossil-based society. An analysis of the substitution of natural gas with different energy carriers will be performed, and the results will be compared. The effects of CO2-based methane, hydrogen, and electricity will be evaluated for energy storage, high-temperature level heat production, and residential heating. The multi-level perspective will be applied to assess these energy carriers in the context of our society. Conclusions: CO2-based methane is the least energy efficient energy carrier among those analyzed. Nevertheless, this type of methane supports the acceleration of the energy transition. Highlights: CO2-based methane is a valuable, renewable, and carbon-neutral energy carrier that supports a timely energy transition. The implementation of hydrogen and electricity requires more modifications to our current sociotechnical society than the implementation of CO2-based methane. The urgency of reducing CO2 emissions is not being considered adequately in the current societal discussion, and a multi-level perspective analysis should provide valuable results that account for the temporal aspect.