Clariant's MegaMax™ Catalysts to Drive China's First Biomass-to-Green Methanol Project

Clariant, a global leader in sustainability-focused specialty chemicals, has revealed that its MegaMax catalyst has been selected for China’s groundbreaking biomass gasification-to-green methanol project. This innovative plant will convert farm waste and wind power into green methanol, with the capacity to produce up to 250,000 tons annually. The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase of construction starting in March 2024. The plant is expected to begin producing green methanol in the first half of 2025, marking China’s first commercialized biomass-to-green methanol facility.

Georg Anfang, Vice President of Syngas and Fuels at Clariant Catalysts, expressed excitement about the project, noting, “We are very pleased to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. With over 50 years of expertise in methanol synthesis and a strong commitment to advancing catalysts for the energy transition, we are the ideal partner for this prestigious sustainability project. Green methanol will be pivotal in both renewable fuel production and as a feedstock for sustainable chemicals.”

Clariant’s MegaMax catalyst is an optimal choice for this biomass-to-methanol project, offering several key advantages. It is designed to maintain high stability and tolerance to the system’s fluctuations, which are common in green methanol production. Additionally, the catalyst provides exceptional activity, even at low reactor temperatures and pressures, which is essential for efficient green methanol synthesis. Its superior selectivity ensures minimal by-product formation, greatly enhancing the economics of the production process.

To maximize catalyst performance, Clariant will provide comprehensive technical support through its Applied Catalyst Technology (ACT) team, which consists of highly skilled engineers and experts. This team will monitor and optimize the catalyst’s performance throughout the project. Moreover, Clariant will offer ongoing assistance through its CLARITY™ digital service platform, which provides real-time access to plant data. This tool enhances the plant’s reliability, safety, and profitability by delivering actionable insights into operational performance.

The project represents a significant milestone in China’s efforts to accelerate the development of sustainable, renewable energy solutions. Green methanol, as a renewable fuel and key material in green chemical production, is expected to play a crucial role in advancing China’s sustainability goals. Through the deployment of Clariant’s advanced catalyst technology, the project is set to make a major contribution to the global energy transition, reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy production.

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