Innovative Circular Methanol and Hydrogen Production Plant Set to Revolutionize Refinery in Italy
Key Ideas
  • MAIRE, Eni, and Iren Ambiente are collaborating to establish a groundbreaking circular methanol and hydrogen production plant at Eni’s refinery in Sannazzaro de' Burgondi, Italy.
  • The plant, powered by NEXTCHEM’s NX CircularTM technology, will convert non-recyclable waste into synthesis gas, generating 110,000 tons of circular methanol and 1,500 tons of circular hydrogen annually.
  • The circular methanol produced will aid in decarbonizing the maritime sector, meeting EU Renewable Energy Directive standards, while the circular hydrogen can reduce CO2 emissions in refinery processes or support sustainable mobility.
  • Additionally, the plant will recover inert granulate for the cement industry, contributing to sector decarbonization and leveraging existing infrastructure to optimize costs and enhance technical expertise at the site.
MET Development (MAIRE), in partnership with Eni and Iren Ambiente, is embarking on an innovative project to establish a circular methanol and hydrogen production plant at Eni's refinery in Sannazzaro de' Burgondi, Italy. Leveraging NEXTCHEM’s NX CircularTM technology, the plant aims to convert approximately 200,000 tons per year of non-recyclable waste into synthesis gas, which will then be used to produce 110,000 tons of circular methanol and 1,500 tons of circular hydrogen annually. The circular methanol will play a crucial role in decarbonizing the maritime sector, meeting stringent EU Renewable Energy Directive standards for Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCF) and reducing carbon emissions. The circular hydrogen, on the other hand, can be utilized to cut CO2 emissions in refinery processes or support sustainable mobility in road and rail transport. Moreover, the plant will recover 33,000 tons of inert granulate per year for the cement industry, contributing to the decarbonization of this sector. This innovative initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also drives economic growth, positioning Italian ports at the forefront of adopting environmentally friendly fuels required by international regulations. By leveraging existing infrastructure and technical expertise at the refinery site, the project aims to optimize costs and facilitate a smooth transition towards a greener future.
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