Johnson Matthey plc (JM) announced today that its e-methanol technology has been chosen by Reolum for the next phase of its La Robla Nueva Energia (NE) project.

Located in the Spanish region of Castilla y León, the La Robla NE project will be one of the largest e-methanol production plants in Europe, with plans to be operational by the end of 2027. This facility is a key component of the integrated green energy generation project called La Robla Green, which also encompasses Roblum, a green energy generation plant set to power over 50,000 households.

The La Robla NE plant will utilize JM's eMERALD technology, a proven process that efficiently converts captured CO2 into methanol. This innovative technology leverages green hydrogen, blending it with the CO2 extracted from the biomass plant, to produce e-methanol with an expected annual output of up to 140 kilotons.

E-methanol is increasingly recognized as a crucial player in decarbonizing challenging sectors like the chemicals industry and heavy transport, particularly shipping. The project has garnered support from the European Investment Bank, and a Final Investment Decision is anticipated in 2025.

Reolum, a Spanish company specializing in energy transition projects, has meticulously selected JM as its technology partner. This collaboration underscores Reolum's commitment to driving decarbonization through innovative business models, leveraging green hydrogen, e-methanol, and biomass-fueled combined heat and power technologies.

The La Robla Green project holds significant importance for the region, contributing to the regeneration of an area previously reliant on a thermal power plant and coal mining. This aligns with Spain's "Just Transition Zones" initiative, aimed at supporting communities in their transition to a low-carbon economy while addressing the socio-economic challenges of decarbonization.

Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director of Catalyst Technologies Licensing at JM, expressed enthusiasm for this project, stating, "Johnson Matthey's technology is paving the way for heavy industries to decarbonize effectively. Our eMERALD process and catalyst efficiently convert renewable resources into e-methanol. We are thrilled to collaborate with Reolum on this transformative project for the region."

Yann Dumont, CEO of Reolum, emphasized the significance of selecting the right partners, stating, "This project embodies the innovative business models that underpin Reolum's mission. We are delighted to collaborate with a leading company like Johnson Matthey and believe this partnership will set a new benchmark in decarbonization."

This project win for JM solidifies its position as a leader in providing critical technology and licensing solutions that empower customers to drive the energy transition. With 15 major energy transition projects secured since April 2022, including the recently announced ETFuels' e-methanol plant in Texas, JM is well on track to achieve its strategic goal of 20 sustainable technology project wins by the end of 2025/26.