One of China's leading natural gas suppliers has announced that it will build a facility to convert kitchen food waste into green methanol.
Green methanol is an alternative fuel that China's shipping industry can use to reduce pollution and improve efficiency.
Xi Pingyang, vice president of Chenergy, told reporters on Wednesday that the facility, which can produce 70,000 to 100,000 tons of methanol, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, the newspaper reported. Told. South China Morning Post.
Green methanol and its benefits
Methanol is a colorless liquid primarily used in the production of other chemicals such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and plastics. It can also be used as a fuel source for engines.
However, unlike traditional methanol obtained from fossil fuels, green methanol is produced from low-carbon sources such as biomass or through carbon capture.
According to a 2023 report from the World Economic Forum (WEF), green methanol can reduce carbon emissions by 60 to 95 percent. The report also states that sulfur oxide and particulate matter emissions can be completely reduced.
This alternative fuel can also be mixed with gasoline or diesel without major engine upgrades and can be used in all types of vehicles.
Alternatively, green methanol can also be used as a feedstock to make other chemicals and materials, reducing the chemical industry's dependence on fossil fuels.
Alternatively, green methanol can also be used as a feedstock to make other chemicals and materials, reducing the chemical industry's dependence on fossil fuels.
The WEF expects green methanol production to increase to 500 million tonnes by 2050, up from 200,000 tonnes per year until last year. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that this would reduce emissions by 1.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
China's promotion of alternative energy
China has utilized all alternative energy resources to meet its ever-growing electricity demand.
The country has focused on nuclear power, hydropower, solar power, and other methods to meet its electricity needs.
Green methanol is one such alternative that can be beneficial to the shipping sector, reducing operating costs and making the transport sector emission-free and sustainable.
Separated food waste can be used to produce compost, methane gas and other oils for use in the country's industrial sector.
A Chenergy executive told another publication that the company already has the infrastructure needed to produce green methanol. He also exuded confidence that the product could be manufactured at a cost “lower than international standards.”
In March earlier this year, Chenergy signed a partnership framework agreement with Hong Kong China Gas Co., Ltd. (Town Gas) to promote the development of green energy businesses in Shanghai, Hong Kong and domestic and international markets.
The partnership agreement also included increasing green methanol production capacity and developing other markets for green energy.
Town Gas has been producing green methanol in China for many years.
Additionally, this month, Pine Forest Pig Farm, part of Chenergy's subsidiary Chenergy Environment, successfully purified biogas from pig manure. According to Shine, the company has also integrated 100,000 cubic meters of biomethane into the city's gas grid.
The program addressed farm waste issues and reduced emissions of harmful polluting gases.
About the editor
Abhishek Bhardwaj Abhishek brings a wealth of experience covering diverse stories across different beats. Having contributed to reputed news agencies and Indian media such as his ANI and his NDTV, he has a keen interest in technology, business and defense reporting.
