According to WPB, a pioneering commercial-scale facility for producing e-methanol has commenced operations in southern Denmark, marking a major milestone in the transition to cleaner fuels. Developed by Denmark’s European Energy in partnership with Japan’s Mitsui, the plant aims to provide a scalable alternative to conventional fossil-based methanol, particularly for the maritime industry.
The facility, based in Kasso, is designed to generate 42,000 metric tons—or approximately 53 million litres—of e-methanol annually. Its production process integrates renewable electricity and captured carbon dioxide sourced from biogas and waste incineration, offering a more sustainable fuel pathway.
A key customer of the plant will be Maersk, a major shipping conglomerate actively pursuing decarbonization strategies. Maersk currently operates 13 container ships capable of running on both conventional fuel oil and methanol, with another 13 vessels on order. The annual output from the Kasso site can fuel one large 16,000-container vessel traveling intercontinentally, highlighting its potential for commercial shipping applications. Smaller vessels like the Laura Maersk—the world’s first dual-fuel container ship—require just 3,600 tons of fuel annually, demonstrating flexible application across different ship sizes.
The maritime sector continues to face global regulatory pressure to curb emissions in line with international climate targets. However, zero-emission alternatives such as e-methanol and green ammonia remain cost-intensive due to limited production capacity.
European Energy representatives emphasized the urgency of expanding operations and reducing production expenses, noting that while the Kasso output is symbolically significant, it represents only a fraction of the industry’s broader fuel demand.
Beyond shipping, the e-methanol produced at the facility is also being adopted by other industries. Major Danish companies including Novo Nordisk and Lego plan to utilize the sustainable fuel in the production of injection pens and plastic toys, respectively—replacing fossil-derived methanol in their manufacturing processes.
Additionally, the plant’s excess heat will contribute to local energy needs by providing heating for approximately 3,300 households in the surrounding community.
This development is a key example of how renewable energy technologies can simultaneously support industrial innovation, environmental goals, and local benefits.
By WPB
Shipping, Container, Vessel
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