maximum methanol concentration at the outlet of the converter is around 14 mol%. Therefore, as the per-pass conversion of synthesis gas to methanol is limited by equilibrium, in order to achieve high conversion, the methanol synthesis section is arranged as a loop, recycling unreacted feedstock. Crucially, in e-methanol plants, the recycle ratio, which is the ratio between the flow of unreacted circulating gas at the outlet of the circulator and the flow of fresh make-up gas, emerges as a critical design parameter, impacting feedstock efficiency and production costs, particularly as renewable power costs influence the levelised cost of methanol production. With its eMERALD technology, JM “ Adopting sustainable methanol, encompassing both e-methanol and biomethanol, represents a significant step forward in addressing the shipping industry’s emission challenges and regulatory landscape ” has optimised the e-methanol synthesis loop to deliver excellent performance, efficiency, and low carbon intensity when compared with conventional reforming. As the CO₂ to methanol reaction yields a notably higher level of water formation than conventional methods, it necessitates a resilient catalyst capable of withstanding the hydrothermal conditions in the reactor to maintain optimal activity and throughput. JM’s premium catalyst, eMERALD 201, sets a new standard in stability and performance, delivering excellent methanol productivity across an extended lifespan. Its distinctive composition offers superior hydrothermal stability, ensuring consistent operation and longevity. JM technology in action The performance of this advanced offering has been recognised by HIF Global, which selected Johnson Matthey as the methanol licensor for its Paysandú e-fuels project in Uruguay. The facility, cited as South America’s inaugural e-fuels plant, will employ electrolytic (green)
hydrogen and biogenic CO₂ to manufacture carbon-neutral e-methanol. Utilising JM’s eMERALD technology, the plant aims to produce 700,000 tonnes per year of e-methanol. This output will serve the burgeoning marine market demand and act as a feedstock for e-gasoline production via a methanol-to-gasoline process, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of more than 150,000 vehicles. The HIF Global partnership stems from the successful demonstration of JM’s technology in the Haru Oni project in Patagonia, Chile, where it licensed its technology and supplied the catalyst. The demonstration plant has operated effectively for more than 12 months, generating methanol for further processing into gasoline. Construction of the Uruguay plant is planned for 2025 and is anticipated to create 1,500 jobs during construction, with an additional 300 permanent operational positions. Conclusion Adopting sustainable methanol, encompassing both e-methanol and biomethanol, represents a significant step forward in addressing the shipping industry’s emission challenges and regulatory landscape. These sustainable alternatives offer renewable and low-carbon solutions to propel the maritime industry towards achieving ambitious emission reduction goals. With the support of innovative technologies like JM’s eMERALD CO₂-to-methanol and Circular waste-to-methanol processes, sustainable methanol production holds the potential to revolutionise the sector, providing a pathway to decarbonise maritime transportation while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. As the industry continues to navigate towards a low-carbon future, collaboration, innovation, and investment will be crucial in realising the full potential of sustainable methanol and driving meaningful progress towards a greener ship
eMERALD and CIRCULAR METHANOL are trademarks of Johnson Matthey.
Zinovia Skoufa
www.decarbonisationtechnology.com
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