Partners begin permitting process for circular methanol and hydrogen plant in Italy

Italian MET Development, a subsidiary of MAIRE, and compatriots Eni and Iren Ambiente have started the permitting process for a circular methanol and hydrogen production plant at Eni’s refinery in Pavia, Italy.

The project will be developed by the three partners, leveraging NEXTCHEM’s (MAIRE’s technology business unit) proprietary NX Circular technology, which, reportedly, allows converting waste by generating synthesis gas (syngas). This gas is subsequently used to produce sustainable fuels and chemicals.

Once completed, the plant will be able to convert approximately 200,000 tons per year of non-recyclable waste into synthesis gas, MAIRE said, adding that this gas will, in turn, be converted to produce up to 110,000 tons annually of circular methanol, an innovative alternative for the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

As disclosed, the facility will also produce up to 1,500 tons per year of circular hydrogen, which could be used in refinery processes, or, alternatively, for sustainable mobility in road and rail transport. Furthermore, according to MAIRE, the plant will be able to recover 33,000 tons per year of inert granulate, which can be used for the cement industry, contributing to the decarbonization of this sector as well.

Fabio Fritelli, NEXTCHEM’s Managing Director, commented: “This project is a unique opportunity to combine environmental sustainability and economic growth. Italian ports will be among the first in the world to be able to benefit from the new environmentally friendly fuel required by international regulations. NEXTCHEM’s NX CircularTM technology enables us to reduce environmental impact with a solution that supports and strengthens our customers’ path towards energy transition.”

To note, the circular methanol produced is said to meet the criteria of the EU Renewable Energy Directive for Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCF) and is considered an “effective and innovative” solution for reducing carbon emissions.