Within the framework of Work Package 2, Port of Egersund carried out a feasibility study on the potential for green methanol production, using two main pathways: **e-methanol** from hydrogen and CO₂ and **bio-methanol** from biomass.
The objective of the report is to guide decision-making on establishing a green methanol production facility. It assesses resources like green hydrogen, CO₂ from local industry, and biomass (wood chips and waste wood) within the area.
The study is looking at two different pathways:
- E-methanol: This process would use hydrogen (from water electrolysis powered by renewable energy) and captured CO₂ emissions from local fish processing plants. However, the CO₂ supply varies seasonally, so storage or alternative sources may be necessary.
and
- Bio-methanol: This approach relies on converting biomass such as wood chips into methanol. Though feasible, it competes with other regional uses for biomass, such as energy production.
While both pathways ar technically feasible, they both face resource availability and logistical challenges, such as limited hydrogen production at Kaupanes and seasonal CO₂ fluctuations that may require storage or alternative sources. Biomass on the other hand, using waste wood may have an impact on existing usage and need cautious management for optimal usage and environmental balance.
Each pathway offers potential for local economic growth and emissions reduction. However, the high initial costs for green methanol production make the cost estimates difficult, as the costs may vary. Efficiency and costs of green methanol production could be enhanced, if waste heat recovery and combined bio-e-methanol uses both H₂ and biomass
The study concludes that further analysis is needed to asses the CO₂ capture technology, storage solutions, and optimal site selection. The integration of circular economy practices, such as using waste heat, could improve project feasibility.
Egersund has the resources and potential to produce green methanol, which can support cleaner shipping fuels, though it will require overcoming resource and logistical challenges.
The full report can be found in the output section of this website, or under this link.
