Sustainability in Power-to-X solutions: Analysis of key performance indicators and feasibility studies
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
L6, University of Oulu, Linnanmaa
Topic of the dissertation
Sustainability in Power-to-X solutions: Analysis of key performance indicators and feasibility studies
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science (Technology) Ahmed Rufai Dahiru
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Technology, Environmental and Chemical Engineering
Subject of study
Environmental Engineering
Opponent
Professor Laura Vanoli, University of Naples Parthenope
Custos
Docent Mika Huuhtanen, University of Oulu
Sustainability in Power-to-X solutions: Analysis of key performance indicators and feasibility studies
Sustainable energy systems are essential for achieving global decarbonisation goals, and Powerto-X (P2X) technologies offer effective solutions for integrating renewable energy in the existing energy infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions. This thesis explores P2X technologies within a circular economy framework, focusing on green methanol production and its conversion into hydrocarbon fuels for sustainable transport applications. The research applied techno-economic analysis to assess the sustainability of converting green methanol into transport fuels via olefin oligomerisation. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to compare the environmental impacts of sorption-enhanced methanol synthesis (SEMS) under adiabatic and isothermal conditions.
A key outcome of this study is the analysis and determination of a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that capture the techno-economic, environmental and social dimensions of P2X systems. The selection and evaluation of these KPIs are based on comprehensive review of existing literature, expert validation, and the analysis of green methanol conversion and LCA of SEMS presented in this thesis. These analyses form the basis for identifying and evaluating the most relevant KPIs for the analysis of P2X systems.
The findings suggest that P2X technologies can contribute to energy transition, emission reduction, and circular economy integration, but their widespread adoption remains limited by efficiency and cost constraints. This study emphasises the need for advanced system designs and process optimisation to address these challenges. The set of KPIs identified and evaluated throughout this study serves as a valuable tool for assessing trade-offs in P2X systems. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the importance of analysing the environmental, economic, and social trade-offs to ensure their scalability and long-term sustainability of P2X solutions.
A key outcome of this study is the analysis and determination of a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that capture the techno-economic, environmental and social dimensions of P2X systems. The selection and evaluation of these KPIs are based on comprehensive review of existing literature, expert validation, and the analysis of green methanol conversion and LCA of SEMS presented in this thesis. These analyses form the basis for identifying and evaluating the most relevant KPIs for the analysis of P2X systems.
The findings suggest that P2X technologies can contribute to energy transition, emission reduction, and circular economy integration, but their widespread adoption remains limited by efficiency and cost constraints. This study emphasises the need for advanced system designs and process optimisation to address these challenges. The set of KPIs identified and evaluated throughout this study serves as a valuable tool for assessing trade-offs in P2X systems. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the importance of analysing the environmental, economic, and social trade-offs to ensure their scalability and long-term sustainability of P2X solutions.
Created 27.10.2025 | Updated 20.11.2025