Johnson Matthey has been selected as technology partner for a 75,000 t/y biomethanol plant in Tiandong County, Guangxi, under an agreement with Guangdong Liquid Sunshine Green Energy and project partners. The award marks the company's second green methanol plant licence in China and places the project among early commercial developments targeting low-carbon marine fuel demand.
The facility will convert gasified biomass waste into biomethanol using Johnson Matthey's methanol synthesis technology, integrating gasification processes with renewable power systems. Construction of the first phase is expected to begin later this year.
A second phase, subject to approval, would use excess CO₂ from the first plant combined with electrolytic hydrogen to produce e-methanol, increasing output without additional biomass feedstock and aligning with emerging e-fuel requirements, including in Europe.
The project responds directly to supply concerns from shipowners investing in methanol-fuelled fleets under pressure from IMO emission targets and the EU FuelEU Maritime regulation. As container carriers such as Maersk, COSCO and Yang Ming bring dual-fuel newbuilds online, China's pipeline of methanol projects is shaping the global supply base.
Key Takeaways:
1. Johnson Matthey wins licence for a 75,000 t/y biomethanol plant in Tiandong County, Guangxi.
2. Deal is the company's second green methanol licence in China, with Guangdong Liquid Sunshine.
3. The plant will gasify biomass waste; phase one construction is expected to start this year.
4. Phase two, if approved, would combine excess CO2 with electrolytic hydrogen for e-methanol.
5. The project addresses supply security for methanol-fuelled fleets under IMO and FuelEU pressure.
