A pioneering solution has emerged in the pursuit of sustainable energy production, with the development of an offshore platform capable of producing methanol entirely from renewable sources. This groundbreaking initiative utilizes Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology to extract CO2 from the atmosphere, coupled with green hydrogen derived from offshore wind power water electrolysis.
The process involves the synthesis of methanol from hydrogen and CO2 under high temperature and pressure conditions, all conducted onboard the offshore platform. The electricity required for these processes is sourced entirely from offshore wind power, ensuring a fully green production cycle.
One of the key advantages of this system is its utilization of readily available CO2 through DAC technology, with provisions for future integration of external supplies of green or biomass-derived CO2.
Wenbo Wang, CEO of Kindon New Energy, the developer behind this innovative project, expressed optimism about its potential impact, stating, “The entire process for methanol production uses genuinely green hydrogen, renewable carbon dioxide from DAC, and sustainable electricity. The concept provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels on the pathway to decarbonization.”
The project has received recognition from industry experts, including Luigi Mattera, Greater China Marine Operations Director at RINA, who emphasized its adherence to stringent environmental standards. Mattera commented, “Almost all current methanol synthesis processes use CO2 from carbon capture from industry originated from fossil fuels. Using the latest DAC technology, the AiP acknowledges that the methanol produced on this offshore production platform adheres to the strictest standards of green methanol.”
This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in sustainable energy production within the marine and offshore industries, paving the way for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
The significance of methanol as an alternative fuel choice was underscored by data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, which revealed its popularity in 2023 with 138 ships ordered, excluding methanol carriers. Furthermore, DNV reported an additional 23 ships added to the AFI database in February 2024, indicating a growing interest in alternative fuel solutions.