In Canada, ethanol major Greenfield Global, Inc., and Danish renewable power major European Energy A/S have announced a joint venture (JV) agreement to develop an electro-methanol (e-methanol) project adjacent to Greenfield’s existing ethanol facility near Montréal, Québec. The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding the two companies signed in 2025 and establishes a joint company through which Greenfield Global and European Energy intend to produce e-methanol for a variety of markets.
According to a statement, the project is designed to supply e-methanol to a range of markets, including those requesting European Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), maritime fuels, and renewable polymers.
The e-methanol will meet RFNBO requirements, offering a fuel alternative with deep emissions reductions.
Complementary strengths
The collaboration builds on complementary strengths. Privately held Greenfield Global is a leading North American producer of high-purity ethanol, specialty solvents, bioprocessing solutions, and biofuels.
With multiple distilleries, a globally integrated supply chain, and deep expertise in the sourcing, testing, blending, packaging, and distribution, the company serves the life sciences, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, personal care, and renewable energy markets worldwide.
Demand for low-carbon fuels and chemicals is growing, but supply will follow only where projects are both good for the planet and good business. Greenfield Global and European Energy share a commitment to building projects that deliver reliable, scalable solutions for companies seeking sustainable blendstocks and raw materials, said Howard Field, CEO of Greenfield Global.
For this project, Greenfield Global contributes an established operating site, industrial infrastructure, and biogenic carbon dioxide (bioCO2) supply.
European Energy brings significant renewable energy and Power-to-X (PtX) development, commercial, and operating experience.
That experience includes the Kassø facility in Denmark, the world’s first large-scale commercial e-methanol facility, with an annual production capacity of 42,000 tonnes.
We believe symbiotic partnerships are how profitable renewable fuel and chemical ventures are built, and this project is a prime example of that. Our experience from Kassø in Denmark has demonstrated what it takes to bring e-methanol production from ambition to industrial reality. The next step is to build on that experience, replicate successful models and develop projects in markets with the right conditions for long-term growth. Our partnership with Greenfield Global reflects this strategy and our ambition to play a leading role in developing the global market for e-fuels, said Knud Erik Andersen, CEO of European Energy.
Attractive fundamentals for e-fuels
The location in Québec was selected for its attractive fundamentals for e-fuels production, including some of the lowest-cost, lowest-carbon-intensity hydroelectricity in North America.
Greenfield’s on-site fuel ethanol distillery generates a high-quality stream of bioCO2 from fermentation, giving the e-methanol project a contracted, reliable, and cost-competitive e-fuels feedstock pathway.
The site also benefits from established industrial infrastructure, export routes to both European and domestic markets, and a policy environment supportive of low-carbon industrial investment.
As a long-standing operator in Québec, Greenfield Global is well positioned to advance another project that also supports regional economic development.
Together, these attributes provide a solid foundation for the project.
Preliminary engineering studies completed
With preliminary engineering studies complete and grid connection construction underway, the companies will begin commercial discussions with offtakers immediately. They will share further details as the project progresses.
Together with Greenfield Global, we see an opportunity not only to develop a competitive e-methanol facility in Québec, but also to establish a strong platform for future growth across North America, said Knud Erik Andersen.
