Antwerp’s radical methanol plan

SUSTAINABLE IS OBTAINABLE

METHANOL • A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT IN ANTWERP AIMS TO SHOW THAT INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION DOES NOT HAVE TO HARM THE ENVIRONMENT; INDEED, IT CAN REDUCE EMISSIONS

THE PORT OF Antwerp has become well known for its open attitude to environmentally beneficial innovations; it is also apparent that methanol is an important product for many industries within the port. So it should come as little surprise to learn that Antwerp is leading a project to produce methanol in a more sustainable way. The project will bring together several partners with a range of expertise, something that is only possible on this level through the existing port community.

Industries in Antwerp currently use around 300,000 tonnes of methanol per year in chemical processes, for fuel production and in a range of industrial products. Today, that is all derived from finite hydrocarbon sources. By using a new production process, the Port of Antwerp will be taking practical steps towards making the port more sustainable.

“In practical terms we will produce methanol from waste CO2 and sustainably generated hydrogen,” explains Didier Van Osselaer, project manager at the Port of Antwerp. “The waste CO2 will be collected by a new process called Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) in which at least some of the CO2 emissions are recovered. This CO2 is then combined with hydrogen generated on a sustainable basis using green energy in a new electrolysis plant. These two processes together form the perfect basis for producing sustainable methanol.”

The Port of Antwerp expects this process to save at least one tonne of CO2 emissions for

THE PORT AUTHORITY’S UNIQUE POSITION IN THE MARKET every tonne of methanol produced. In addition, methanol will be used as a sustainable fuel in its own right. Indeed, the Port says, it is aiming to put a methanol-fuelled tug into service in the near future.

THE GREEN TEAM “With this innovative project we aim to smooth the path for alternative energy sources in the Port of Antwerp,” says Port CEO Jacques Vandermeiren. “I am proud that we are able to sign this collaboration agreement today with five crucial partners from among others the electricity, fuel and chemical industries. Our role as Port Authority is to bring people from different sectors together, in order to face the challenges of tomorrow. Today marks yet another step in the right direction.”

Those partners include power supplier Engie, storage terminal operator Oiltanking, Indaver, Helm-Proman and Vlaamse Milieuholding (VMH). Indaver has the necessary expertise in the collection of CO2 while Helm-Proman will help find markets for the methanol output.

“Innovation is key when it comes to facing challenges large and small,” says Philippe Muyters, Flemish Minister for Finance, Budget, Work, Town and Country Planning and Sports. “We won’t solve the climate problem by taxing entrepreneurs into the ground. This innovative project shows once again that our companies are very much part of the solution, especially when they come together and collaborate as here in the port of Antwerp.”

“I am very glad that Port of Antwerp has taken on this role. It shows that we have innovative thinking here in Flanders,” adds Koen van den Heuvel, Minister for the Environment, Nature and Agriculture. “Just like the project for onshore power, this project will help us to achieve our ambitious climate objectives. At the same time it will save primary raw materials and take us a step further in the transition to a circular economy.” HCB www.portofantwerp.com