BASF Process Catalysts GmbH and the Chinese company Envision Energy want to develop a new process for synthesizing e-methanol from CO2 and hydrogen. The first test plant is to be installed in Chifeng (China) in 2025.
BASF will provide its SYNSPIRETM catalyst technology as part of the development of a new process for the production of e-methanol. Envision Energy will develop a process design and integrate it into its energy management systems. The companies plan to demonstrate the feasibility of the process next year at an Envision Energy site in Chifeng, China.
The BASF catalyst enables a particularly efficient conversion of hydrogen and CO2 to e-methanol. BASF speaks of a technological "breakthrough". The process package developed by the Chinese cooperation partner is intended to help maximize the efficiency of the catalyst and make methanol synthesis more dynamic, in line with the operating times of wind turbines. Envision Energy uses an AIoT platform to optimize the operation of the chemical plant.
Advantages of methanol as a substitute for fossil fuels
Methanol (or e-methanol if it is produced using renewable energy) is a versatile fuel that can replace fossil alternatives such as petrol and kerosene. It can also be used to power ships. BASF states that the advantage of e-fuels is that they can not only be used without infrastructure modifications, but can also be stored at room temperature and ambient pressure thanks to their chemical stability. This means that its shelf life is virtually unlimited.
In addition, its production can generate negative emissions through the recycling of CO2 - for example from direct air capture processes. For this reason, numerous research projects are currently investigating efficient synthesis processes. In November 2023, Federal Minister of Transport Volker Wissing inaugurated the pilot plant for the "Leuna100" project at the Leuna Chemical Park in Saxony. According to the responsible research consortium, it is the world's first plant for cost-efficient green methanol production.
