Australian engineering company Worley has partnered with Topsoe, a Danish provider of technology and solutions for the energy transition, to produce e-Methanol in the U.S. Midwest. The partners will deploy modular production plants that combine biogenic CO2 emissions from ethanol facilities with hydrogen and are expected to produce up to 600 tons of e-Methanol per day.
The company aims to establish a dedicated low carbon fuel supply chain for shipping and other sectors. The company said this initiative will create a steady supply of e-Methanol and offer an alternative to carbon capture and storage in regions where traditional methods may not be feasible.
The production facilities will be standardized and modular, allowing allows for pre-established technology licensing for green hydrogen and methanol synthesis as well as optimized engineering and cost structures to reduce project complexity. The partners will also provide end-to-end asset lifecycle support which helps ensure new plants are economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
“This collaboration allows us to leverage our shared expertise to develop a robust framework for e-Methanol production that can play a crucial role in decarbonising some of our key industries,” said Flemming Kanstrup, Senior Director at Topsoe.
“By enabling bioethanol producers to harness biogenic CO2 and transform it into a low-carbon fuel, we’re making strides in emissions reduction and fostering a more sustainable circular economy. This approach meets the growing demand for e-Methanol from the shipping industry and other sectors, helping to establish a strong supply chain at pace.”
E-Methanol is rapidly emerging as a lower carbon fuel alternative for shipping as companies look at ways to reduce emissions. The International Maritime Organization has just approved a strategy for shipping to reach net zero by 2050. And EU regulations such as FuelEU maritime aim to cut greenhouse gas emission intensity in this sector. Ethanol producers are well placed to support the growing demand for carbon neutral fuels by converting their CO2 to e-Methanol.
