The Kassø Power-to-X (PtX) facility, a groundbreaking project spearheaded by European Energy in collaboration with Mitsui & Co., has achieved a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector. The facility, located in Aabenraa, Denmark, has become the world's first e-methanol production plant to receive certification under the European Union's stringent new sustainability framework for renewable fuels.

This landmark certification, granted through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU scheme, officially recognizes the e-methanol produced at Kassø as a Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) in accordance with the EU's Renewable Energy Directive.

The ISCC EU certification process involved a rigorous independent verification of the renewable electricity sources utilized by the facility and the origin of the carbon dioxide (CO2) employed in the production process. This comprehensive assessment confirms that the e-methanol produced at Kassø adheres to the highest standards of renewable fuel production.

This first-of-its-kind certification holds an immense significance for the green fuels industry. It establishes a crucial precedent for consistent standards and provides a clear pathway for the utilization of e-methanol in meeting ambitious climate targets. Consequently, the e-methanol produced at the Kassø facility is now eligible for use under key EU regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and ReFuelEU Aviation, as well as within national quota systems designed to promote the adoption of sustainable fuels.

The Kassø Power-to-X facility boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 42,000 tonnes of e-methanol. This commercial-scale operation is now positioned to supply significant volumes of renewable methanol to international off-takers. E-methanol, produced by combining renewable hydrogen (generated through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity) with biogenic CO2, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based methanol.

Rene Alcaraz Frederiksen, CEO of Solar Park Kassø, the JV company between European Energy and Mitsui & Co. that owns the Power-to-X facility, emphasized the importance of this achievement. “The ISCC EU RNFBO certification is an important step in validating the renewable integrity of our e-methanol and ensuring it can support climate action across Europe,” he stated. “This certification provides the necessary assurance to our customers and stakeholders that our e-methanol is a truly sustainable fuel, contributing to the decarbonization of crucial sectors like shipping and aviation.”

The classification of the methanol produced at Kassø as e-methanol is underpinned by meticulous documentation of the facility's operational processes. This includes stringent proof of the exclusive use of renewable electricity, the biogenic origin of the captured CO2, and strict adherence to mass balance and traceability requirements throughout the production chain.