Benelux pioneers with sustainable e-methanol production
A collaboration between Bright Renewables, HyGear, and the University of Twente receives substantial funding to build the first e-methanol system in Benelux.
Innovative Design Garners Substantial Subsidy
The initiative led by Bright Renewables and HyGear, both under the aegis of the HoSt Group, in partnership with the University of Twente, has been awarded nearly €4 million in subsidies to construct an E-Methanol system in Benelux. This financial support is part of a larger €8 million investment for the project named ‘Towards Acceleration and Demonstration of E-Methanol’ (TANDEM), which is aimed at establishing E-Methanol as a viable sustainable fuel for heavy-duty transport by 2025. The innovative design of this system, which operates at lower temperatures and pressures, thus consuming less energy, was a significant factor in obtaining the subsidy according to Martin Bos, R&D Manager at HoSt Group.
The Role of University of Twente and Local Renewable Energy
The University of Twente has a crucial role in this project, having been allocated €600,000 to research heat exchange for scaling up the E-Methanol system. The system itself, with a production capacity of 500 tons per year, is to be established at HyGear in Arnhem. It will utilize locally sourced electricity from solar and wind power, combined with captured CO2, to produce high-grade AA E-methanol. This process is not only innovative but also instrumental in addressing grid congestion issues by providing a means to store excess renewable energy, according to Wim Brilman, a professor at the University of Twente.
The Environmental and Economic Impact
The E-Methanol produced will serve as a CO2-neutral fuel, with the annual production capacity enough to allow a large inland ship to cover 30,000 km carrying 10,000 containers. This highlights the potential transformative impact on the sustainability of heavy-duty transport. Furthermore, the decentralized production model that will be practiced in the Netherlands aligns with national goals and legislative momentum, supporting CO2 capture and sustainable practices. By 2030, the anticipated availability of 2.1 Megatons of biogenic CO2 for use underscores the country’s commitment to these sustainable practices.
Bright Renewables: At the Forefront of Sustainable Innovation
Bright Renewables, based in Enschede, Overijssel, is a technology leader specializing in solutions such as membrane biogas upgrading systems, CO2 liquefaction systems, carbon capture, and bio-LNG. The company’s expertise in these areas is well-established, with a recent project in Germany achieving mechanical completion, aiming for 100% methane recovery and food-grade bioCO2 production. With such achievements and ongoing contributions to sustainability, Bright Renewables stays true to its motto, ‘The future is Bright.’