  The European Union strategy for net zero emissions relies on developing
hydrogen and electro fuels infrastructure. These fuels will be crucial as
energy carriers and balancing agents for renewable energy variability. Large
scale production requires more renewable capacity, and various Power to X (PtX)
concepts are emerging in renewable rich countries. However, sourcing renewable
carbon to scale carbon based electro fuels is a significant challenge. This
study explores a PtX hub that sources renewable CO2 from biogas plants,
integrating renewable energy, hydrogen production, and methanol synthesis on
site. This concept creates an internal market for energy and materials,
interfacing with the external energy system. The size and operation of the PtX
hub were optimized, considering integration with local energy systems and a
potential hydrogen grid. The levelized costs of hydrogen and methanol were
estimated for a 2030 start, considering new legislation on renewable fuels of
non biological origin (RFNBOs). Our results show the PtX hub can rely mainly on
on site renewable energy, selling excess electricity to the grid. A local
hydrogen grid connection improves operations, and the behind the meter market
lowers energy prices, buffering against market variability. We found methanol
costs could be below 650 euros per ton and hydrogen production costs below 3
euros per kg, with standalone methanol plants costing 23 per cent more. The CO2
recovery to methanol production ratio is crucial, with over 90 per cent
recovery requiring significant investment in CO2 and H2 storage. Overall, our
findings support planning PtX infrastructures integrated with the agricultural
sector as a cost effective way to access renewable carbon.
