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The sustainable valorization of CO2 into higher value products is of great interest in a society where the use of fossil fuels and global warming generate important environmental concern. As a promising alternative fuel for different processes, methane is more valuable than CO2 and can be used directly in existing infrastructure, facilitating the transition to a low carbon economy. This document provides a review of the latest studies on methanation, a multi-stage process where hydrogen is obtained in an electrolyzer from water and, subsequently reacts with carbon dioxide to produce methane. The present and future of the most common water electrolysis technologies are addressed. Critical problems to be considered when selecting a source of CO2 are evaluated. Chemical and biological approaches are discussed, along with photocatalytic configurations, analyzing the pros and cons in all cases. Finally, the process costs are analyzed, highlighting the economic perspectives of power-to-methane technologies for the next decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper provides a revision of the latest studies on the topic methanation, a multi-stage process where water is first converted into hydrogen in an electrolyzer, which subsequently reacts with carbon dioxide to produce methane. The present and future of the most common water electrolysis technologies is addressed. Critical issues to take into consideration when selecting a carbon dioxide source are evaluated. Chemical and biological approaches, together with photocatalytic configurations are discussed, analyzing pros and cons in all the cases. This paper also highlights the extensive work being done in the development of catalysts capable of selectively converting carbon dioxide into methane, as well as the different reactor configurations that can be used with this aim in any of the available methanation modalities. Relevant power-to-methane plants in Europe have been identified and assessed regarding their location, year of commissioning, capacity, technology for electrolysis and methanation type. Finally, cost issues are analyzed, highlighting economic perspectives of the power-to-methane technologies for the next decades. This document reviews all the key elements associated with the methanation process, revealing which aspects can pave the way for the large-scale implementation of this power generation model. In this sense, the gradual cost reduction of the equipment involved and the continuous increase in the efficiency of the processes are revealed as crucial aspects that can lead to a general implementation of the methanation concept on the way to a low carbon economy. • The latest studies on Power to Methane (PtM) processes are reviewed. • Methanation systems will facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy. • Flexible operation of PEMEC electrolyzers makes them the best option for PtM plants. • Chemical methanation have the greatest potential to be implemented on a large scale. • Biological methanation is a promising pathway for future energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]