Methanol

Methanol (CH3OH) has long been a key product within the chemical industry, used in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, and plastics. While its current applications have resulted in a methanol industry that produces 98 million tons per annum¹, the energy transition is opening up new potential for this versatile chemical.

Methanol’s qualities – such as it’s ability to be clean-burning, readily biodegradable and easily stored, transported, and distributed in liquid form – have put it on the map as a new alternative fuel source, most notably for the shipping and automotive industries. With an increased focus on e-fuels being a key part of the drive towards net-zero, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that methanol production could reach 500 million tons a year by 2050.²

Multiple pathways to methanol production across industries

The ability to produce methanol from a vast spectrum of feedstocks – such as natural gas, coal, biomass, municipal waste, renewable energy, and CO2 – offers multiple pathways to methanol production for a wide variety of industries.

At Topsoe, we offer expertly engineered solutions to help you achieve optimal methanol production, regardless of what pathway you choose.

Carbon- Free Methanol

At Topsoe, we use the term “green methanol” to refer to any carbon-free methanol, including bio-methanol produced from waste streams. By contrast, “eMethanol” (sometimes written “e-Methanol” or abbreviated “eMeOH”) means methanol synthesized from green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂. As a result of it’s renewable feedstocks, e-methanol emits 90 percent less CO2 than its fossil fuel-based counterpart.3