Johnson Matthey to provide technology for large e-methanol facility in Spain

British technology company Johnson Matthey (JM) has been selected by Spanish energy company Reolum to supply its technology for the next phase of the latter’s Robla New Energy (NE) e-methanol project.

Specifically, Reolum chose JM’s eMERALD technology, a process that converts captured CO2 to methanol, for the project. According to JM, this technology has been proven as a credible route to decarbonize methanol production since 2011.

“Our reliable and low-risk process has been optimised to achieve significant hydrogen and carbon uptake to fully utilise these highly valuable feedstocks, whilst also minimising the overall energy requirements and operating costs,” JM claimed.

To note, e-methanol is said to be an increasingly important product in decarbonizing two hard-to-abate sectors – the chemicals industry and heavy transport, like shipping.

Located in the Spanish region of Castilla and León, Reolum’s e-methanol facility is expected to be one of the largest e-methanol production plants in Europe, planned to be online by the end of 2027. The project is supported by the European Investment Bank and a final investment decision (FID) is expected in 2025.

As informed, the facility is part of an integrated green energy generation project called Robla Green, which also includes Roblum, a green energy generation plant that is set to power more than 50,000 households.

Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director, Catalyst Technologies Licencing, JM, commented: “Johnson Matthey’s technology is leading the way in how heavy industries will be able to decarbonise in the coming years. Our eMERALD process and catalyst efficiently convert renewable resources into e-methanol. We’re delighted to hit another of our milestones, working alongside Reolum on a transformational project for the region.”

Yann Dumont, CEO of Reolum, stated: “This project represents the implementation of innovative business models that are at the core of Reolum’s mission. For this reason, we have been extremely meticulous in selecting our partners. We are very pleased to collaborate with a leading company like Johnson Matthey and firmly believe that we are setting a milestone in decarbonisation.”

It is worth mentioning that JM seeks to have 20 sustainable technologies project wins by the end of 2025/26. Since April 2022, it has won 15 projects, including an ETFuels’ e-methanol plant in Texas, U.S. The FID for this project is expected in 2026, with construction scheduled to start by or before 2027.