In an effort to decarbonize the maritime industry, U.S.-based bioenergy innovator WasteFuel and Turkish integrated waste management leader ITC have announced a strategic partnership to develop a world-leading green methanol biorefinery in Ankara, Türkiye. The project, marking the first of its kind in Anatolia, is poised to become a pivotal hub for sustainable marine fuel supply, located at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The project is expected to reach a final investment decision in early 2026. If approved, the Ankara biorefinery will solidify Türkiye's position as a strategic hub for sustainable marine fuel supply, bridging the gap between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The collaboration, formalized through a Heads of Terms agreement, will immediately initiate the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase for the ambitious biorefinery. This facility will be integrated with ITC’s existing expansive waste management complex in Ankara, leveraging the site's robust infrastructure and substantial waste processing capabilities. ITC's Ankara facility, a cornerstone of the region's waste management system, handles over 1.8 million metric tons of municipal waste annually, providing a consistent and ample feedstock for the green methanol production.

The biorefinery will utilize biogas derived from anaerobic digestion and landfill gas collection, transforming organic waste into a valuable, low-carbon fuel source. The resulting green methanol will be primarily targeted for the maritime shipping sector, which is currently undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainable operations. With over 300 methanol-capable container ships slated for delivery by 2030, the demand for green methanol is rapidly escalating.

"Since our founding, ITC has been deeply committed to pioneering innovative applications for municipal waste treatment that deliver tangible benefits to the communities we serve," stated Yavuz Kantur, General Manager of ITC. "This project exemplifies our dedication to this mission. We are honored to collaborate with the Ankara municipality and WasteFuel in celebrating this momentous milestone."

David Trench, Chief Executive Officer of WasteFuel, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the project's strategic importance in addressing the pressing need for decarbonization within the shipping industry. "WasteFuel is proud to partner with ITC, expanding our global portfolio of green fuel initiatives," Trench remarked. "Green methanol will play a crucial role in the near-term decarbonization of the shipping industry, and this project will significantly contribute to meeting the growing global demand for sustainable fuel solutions."

Johan Fritz, WasteFuel’s Global Project Director, highlighted the project's robust fundamentals, including ITC's operational excellence in Ankara, the cost-effective implementation of proven technology and proprietary processes, and the unwavering support from Turkish government representatives. These factors, Fritz emphasized, are instrumental in ensuring the project's successful progression through its next developmental stage.