(Leuna) – The pilot plant for the production of green methanol was inaugurated in the Leuna Chemical Park, Saxony-Anhalt. The aim is to use a new manufacturing process to enable its cost-efficient market ramp-up and thus to offer container shipping in particular a climate-neutral fuel alternative.
The basis for the production of green methanol is a synthesis gas made from carbon monoxide and green hydrogen, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES. C100 Green Chemicals AG, the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT, the DBI-Gastechnologisches Institut gGmbH Freiberg and the Technical University of Berlin are also involved in the “Leuna1” research consortium.
Different technologies tested
The pilot plant combines two different technologies for the CO2-based production of synthesis gas: Fraunhofer UMSICHT supplies a new low-temperature co-electrolysis, and the DBI uses a reverse water gas shift system. C1 supplies the new catalyst and the specially developed reactor for the homogeneous catalysis of methanol. Fraunhofer IWES provides the location and infrastructure in the Hydrogen Lab Leuna and evaluates load flexibility. The TU Berlin is developing an efficient, load-flexible operating concept based on a dynamic process model.
Visualization of the “Leuna 100” pilot plant for the production of green methanol. According to C1, the flexible container design enables “decentralized production on any plant scale.” © C1 Green Chemicals AG
As reported several times, large shipping companies such as Maersk have already ordered methanol-capable ships. The first two have already been put into operation. Tankers, container freighters and cruise ships are currently responsible for almost three percent of global annual CO2 emissions. The new climate strategy of the international shipping organization IMO, adopted in summer 2023, envisages achieving climate neutrality in this sector by around 2050. By 2030, emissions should be reduced by at least a fifth compared to 2008, and by at least 2040 percent by 70.
The project "Leuna100“started in August 2023 and is scheduled to last three years. The research is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with a total of 10,4 million euros as part of the overall renewable fuels concept.
Photos
Inauguration of the pilot plant for methanol production in Leuna in the presence of Transport Minister Volker Wissing (center). © IWES / Paul-Philipp Braun
