Global engineering and construction company Worley has announced a collaboration with Topsoe, a world leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, to expedite the development of standardized, modular e-methanol production plants in the US Midwest. This partnership aims to significantly support the shipping industry's transition to low-carbon fuels while addressing the escalating demand for sustainable alternatives.

A key focus of this collaboration will be establishing a dedicated low-carbon fuel supply chain in the US Midwest. To achieve this, Worley and Topsoe will strategically partner with bioethanol producers in the region. This will allow them to leverage the biogenic CO2 emitted during ethanol production as a primary feedstock for e-Methanol synthesis.

The collaboration will leverage the complementary expertise of both companies. Topsoe will provide its advanced methanol synthesis technology, a crucial component in the e-Methanol production process. Simultaneously, Worley will take the lead in developing the green hydrogen facilities, overseeing electrolyzer procurement and ensuring seamless integration of the entire production plant.

The adoption of a standardized, modular approach is central to the partnership's strategy. This methodology promises to significantly accelerate the rollout of e-Methanol plants. Each facility developed under this collaboration is projected to produce up to an impressive 600 tonnes of e-Methanol per day.

E-Methanol, a renewable alternative to conventional methanol, is produced by combining green hydrogen with biogenic CO2. Notably, the shipping industry, which accounts for nearly three percent of global emissions, stands to benefit immensely from the widespread adoption of e-Methanol.

Bojan Popovic, Group VP of Low Carbon Fuels at Worley, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re using our combined expertise with Topsoe to deliver a standardized, modular production model for e-Methanol that meets the needs of industries looking to reduce emissions. Our approach will offer a solution for the efficient, rapid deployment of e-Methanol plants, helping customers decarbonize at scale.”

Flemming Kanstrup, Senior Director at Topsoe, highlighted the broader implications of the collaboration for a sustainable circular economy. “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. 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.”