Inovyn and partners in methanol project in Antwerp

Inovyn, formed in 2015 as part of chemical firm Ineos, is part of a seven-strong consortium, comprising leading industrial and business partners, that will contribute to a joint feasibility study for the production of methanol from captured carbon dioxide and sustainably generated hydrogen. It is expected that a 8,000 tonne/year industrial-scale demonstration plant will be built at Inovyn’s chemical manufacturing complex at Lillo. This would be the first of its kind for Belgium, with the methanol produced being used by chemical companies in the port of Antwerp cluster.

In addition to Inovyn, other consortium members include Engie, Oiltanking, Indaver, Fluxys, the Flemish Environmental Holding Company (Vlaamse Milieu Holding) and Port of Antwerp.

The carbon dioxide is captured by means of Carbon Capture and Utilisation, through which CO2 emissions are partially recovered and then combined with hydrogen generated from renewable energy. For each tonne of methanol produced at least one tonne of CO2 emissions would be avoided.

Methanol is an essential multi-purpose raw material for the chemical industry, with many applications in wider industry. Currently, methanol is produced using fossil based raw materials, which emits carbon dioxide from the process.

Comments Geir Tuft, CEO Inovyn: “This is a very exciting project and an excellent fit with our sustainability strategy, which includes pursuing options for alternative energy and the sustainable, lower carbon production of chemicals. Specifically, Inovyn will contribute its expertise in hydrogen production and electrolysis to the project, and has identified a suitable location for the proposed demonstration plant at our Lillo Site.”

Future development could see increased volumes of sustainable methanol produced for wider industry use, including as a sustainable fuel for marine and road transport.