About the project

Methanol production is one of the most important pillars of the petrochemical industry and a key contributor to national exports. However, conventional methanol plants rely heavily on natural gas as both a feedstock and an energy source, resulting in high carbon emissions and vulnerability to fuel supply imbalances—particularly during peak consumption periods. This project focuses on green methanol production using green hydrogen, offering a low-carbon and future-ready alternative to conventional methanol synthesis. By integrating renewable hydrogen into methanol production pathways, this project addresses energy imbalance challenges while aligning with global decarbonization and export regulations.

Project Concept and Technical Overview

In this project, green methanol is produced by combining green hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide, instead of reforming natural gas. The process typically involves:

  • Green hydrogen production via water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind.
  • Carbon dioxide capture from industrial flue gases or other concentrated CO₂ sources.
  • Methanol synthesis, where green hydrogen reacts with CO₂ to produce green methanol and water.

This pathway transforms carbon dioxide from a liability into a valuable feedstock, enabling carbon recycling while producing a clean and versatile fuel.

Project Benefits

  • Elimination of Natural Gas Dependency
    Green hydrogen replaces fossil-based hydrogen and syngas derived from natural gas, reducing exposure to gas supply shortages.
  • Significant Emission Reduction
    By utilizing captured CO₂ and renewable hydrogen, the project dramatically lowers lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Export-Oriented Green Product
    Green methanol is in high demand across regional and international markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, due to tightening carbon regulations.
  • Compliance with Carbon Regulations
    With the enforcement of CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) from 2026, low-carbon methanol production becomes essential for maintaining export competitiveness.
  • Versatile Industrial Applications
    Green methanol can be used as:
    • A petrochemical feedstock
    • A clean marine fuel
    • An energy carrier for hydrogen
    • A low-carbon alternative fuel for power generation and transportation

Strategic Importance

Green methanol is rapidly emerging as a key enabler of the global energy transition, especially in hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping, petrochemicals, and heavy industry. By developing green methanol production capabilities within a Hydrogen Hub framework, this project strengthens national energy security, supports industrial decarbonization, and creates a high-value export product aligned with future energy markets.

Technologies Applied

  • Renewable-powered water electrolysis systems
  • Green hydrogen production and conditioning units
  • CO₂ capture, purification, and compression systems
  • Methanol synthesis reactors and catalytic systems
  • Process control, safety, and monitoring systems
  • Energy efficiency and emissions reduction technologies