The net reaction is CO₂ + 3 H₂ → CH₃OH + H₂O. Using molar masses of 44.01, 2.016 and 32.04 g/mol gives approximately 1.374 t CO₂ and 0.189 t H₂ per tonne of methanol. These are theoretical net requirements, not measured industrial feed consumption.
A conceptual process combines feed purification, compression, catalytic synthesis, condensation, gas recycle and product distillation. Copper/zinc-oxide-based catalyst systems are relevant, but the catalyst formulation and operating window belong to the specific process. IRENA, Innovation Outlook: Renewable Methanol
Why the plant differs from the equation
Incomplete conversion, by-products and purge losses change makeup feed requirements. Recycle flow is not the same as net consumption. Water removal and product purification add duties not visible in the reaction equation.
The interactive pathway model lets you change feedstock prices and assumed utilization. It calculates a partial variable-cost subtotal, not the minimum selling price. A bankable estimate additionally needs capital recovery, fixed costs, utilization, financing and a complete mass and energy balance.
Analyst reading rule: report hydrogen sourcing and electricity assumptions alongside any methanol cost or carbon-footprint claim.