Renewable methanol solution
Haffner Energy’s patented technology, based on biomass thermolysis and biocarbon gasification, provides a building block for large-scale bio/e-methanol production.
The contribution of renewable methanol to maritime transport decarbonization
Renewable methanol is increasingly seen as a promising marine fuel for maritime freight and transport. The benefits of methanol liquid fuel include less chronic toxicity than petroleum fuels and dissipating at a more rapid rate. Renewable methanol, in addition, provides significantly lower GHG emissions. A clean liquid fuel, it can be used as a hydrogen carrier.
Renewable methanol as a feedstock in the chemicals industryExisting methanol markets for the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, plastics, adhesives, etc. are large. As companies seek to decarbonize, switching to biomethanol feedstock (or blending) becomes attractive.
Renewable methanol – the product
Renewable methanol, which includes biomethanol and e-methanol, is fuel made from non-fossil feedstocks.
Biomethanol can be produced from a variety of different organic sources, including municipal solid waste and residual biomass from agriculture, forestry, and more.
Renewable methanol – the market
Pipeline of about 220 renewable methanol projects globally as of April 2025, with total announced capacity of ~37.1 million tonnes (Mt) of renewable methanol by 2030, including ~16.5 Mt of biomethanol and ~20.6 Mt of e‑methanol (sources: Methanol Institute and GENA Solutions)
Haffner Energy’s expertise: converting organic waste into bio/e-methanol
Built on our 30+ years of experience converting all types of residual biomass and organic waste to energy, our patented thermolysis technology allows the conversion of any solid biomass residues or wastes into Hypergas®. This hydrogen-rich syngas is immediately available to process into biomethanol through a third-party conversion technology.
In addition, biogenic CO2 and biocarbon, co-products of Hypergas®, can be used to produce e-methanol. Biocarbon, a solid component, can be easily shipped to a different production site and gasified thanks to Haffner Energy’s Gasiliner®, generating biogenic CO2 onsite for e-methanol production.
Renewable methanol production always requires hydrogen and biogenic carbon, which are organically found within Hypergas® composition – absence of undesired nitrogen in the process
Proprietary technology particularly efficient (80% energy efficiency) in converting all available sustainable biomass, regardless of seasonal variations
Our process features a neutral carbon footprint in a full life-cycle analysis: reduction of methanol’s CO2 eq emissions by over 90% compared to fossil fuels.
Renewable methanol simplified production process
A wide range of decarbonization options via renewable methanol
Methanol is a critical energy carrier for the success of energy transition
The advantages of renewable methanol as an energy carrier are substantial (in comparison to ammonia), particularly for the transport and energy exploitation of hydrogen.
Methanol is expected to play a major role in decarbonizing marine transport – which accounts for 3% of the planet’s CO2 emissions.
Methanol is also the simplest of alcohols that is used in many industrial activities, particularly for the production of solvents.