Technologies

eMethanol

At Liquid Wind, we have deep technical knowledge and expertise in eMethanol production. We have chosen to focus on this liquid eFuel for its versatility, scalability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure — qualities that make it a compelling and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels in hard-to-abate sectors.

What is eMethanol?

eMethanol is a renewable, energy-dense liquid fuel produced from hydrogen (H₂) and captured carbon dioxide (CO₂). As a type of eFuel — a synthetic fuel created using Power-to-X (PtX) technology — it shares the same chemical structure as conventional methanol, but is made without fossil inputs.

Highly versatile, it can power long-distance shipping, aviation, and industrial processes; be used in fuel cells for electricity generation; or serve as a feedstock in the chemical industry. With a global infrastructure for methanol storage, transport, and handling already in place, it offers a practical and efficient path to large-scale implementation

Read more about eFuels here

How is it Produced?

eFuel facilities developed by Liquid Wind produce eMethanol using Power-to-X (PtX) technology.

Renewable electricity splits water into green hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). The green hydrogen is then combined with biogenic CO₂ captured from flue gases — for example, from biomass-fired combined heat and power plants. These two ingredients are then processed and refined into fossil-free eMethanol.

Read more about Power-to-X here

eMethanol: Key Production Steps

Electrolysis

An electrolyser, powered by renewable energy, splits water (H₂O) into oxygen (O₂) and green hydrogen (H₂).

The green hydrogen is used as the primary  feedstock for eMethanol production.

The oxygen, formed as a by-product, can either be released into the atmosphere or captured and supplied to local industries.

More about Electrolysis
Carbon Capture

Biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) is extracted from industrial flue gases using post-combustion capture, where chemical solvents selectively absorb and isolate CO₂ molecules from the flue gases.

Once purified, the CO₂ progresses in the eMethanol production process.

More about Carbon capture
Methanol Synthesis & Distillation

Green hydrogen (H₂) and biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) are mixed and pressurised in a compressor. The gas blend is then heated and reacts over a catalyst to form a mixture of methanol and water (CH₃OH + H₂O), which is refined through distillation to meet specific quality standards for its intended use.

More about Methanol synthesis

Secure Your eMethanol Supply

With a strong pipeline of eFuel projects under development in the Nordics, each with a planned production capacity of 100 ktpa, we provide a reliable path to large-scale supply.

Connect with us to explore long-term offtake opportunities.

Get in touch

Why eMethanol?

Renewable energy sources
The primary factor that distinguishes eMethanol from traditional fossil fuels is the use of renewable energy sources in its production. eMethanol is typically produced using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydropower. This reliance on clean energy contributes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with the production of this fuel.
Carbon neutrality
When produced using renewable energy, eMethanol can be considered carbon-neutral over its lifecycle. The carbon dioxide emitted during combustion is theoretically offset by the amount of CO₂ captured during the production process. This contrasts with conventional fossil fuels, which release additional carbon into the atmosphere when burned.
Decarbonisation of Hard-to-Abate sectors
eMethanol offers a practical solution for industries and sectors that are challenging to electrify directly, such as shipping, aviation, and certain industrial processes. These sectors often rely on liquid fuels, and eMethanol provides a means to decarbonise these hard-to-abate areas, helping achieve broader sustainability goals.
Versatility and compatibility

eMethanol is designed to be compatible with existing infrastructure, including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and fuel distribution networks. This versatility makes eMethanol a practical choice for industries that face challenges transitioning entirely to electric power in the short term, facilitating a gradual and feasible shift toward sustainability.
Circular economy
Some eFuels, like eMethanol, can be produced using captured carbon dioxide from industrial processes or directly from the atmosphere. This creates a circular economy approach, where carbon emissions are recycled and repurposed to produce useful fuels, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduced air pollutants
The combustion of eFuels, including eMethanol, typically results in lower emissions of harmful pollutants such as methane, sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to conventional fossil fuels. This aspect enhances air quality and reduces the negative impacts on public health.
Energy storage
eFuels, such as eMethanol, can serve as a means of storing renewable energy. They allow for the conversion of surplus electricity generated during periods of high renewable energy production into chemical energy, which can be stored and used when renewable energy generation is low or unavailable. This addresses the intermittency of some renewable energy sources.
Ease of transportation and storage
Some eFuels, like eMethanol, are liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, making them easy to transport and store using existing infrastructure such as pipelines, trucks, ships, and rail. This characteristic enhances their practicality and ease of integration into current energy systems.

Powering Hard-to-Abate Sectors

From global shipping routes to international air travel, eMethanol offers a practical path for hard-to-abate sectors to reduce emissions — without disrupting operations.