Dutch biomass-to-methanol and renewable carbon project developer Perpetual Next has announced the appointment of Kreston ME Consulting (KMEC) to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study into the development of a biomethanol production facility and regional commercial platform in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to a statement, the appointment represents an important next step in Perpetual Next’s assessment of the UAE as a potential location for the deployment of its integrated renewable carbon-to-biomethanol platform.
Possible UAE location for biomethanol production
The study will evaluate the commercial, regulatory, logistical and financial basis for establishing a biomethanol production facility in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi has been identified as the preferred location for assessment, reflecting its industrial infrastructure, port connectivity and established energy and chemical value chains, with the final location and development approach remaining subject to the study findings.
The reference concept under evaluation is based on a production capacity of approximately 220,000 tonnes per annum of biomethanol, using approximately 320,000 tonnes per annum of imported biocarbon produced from sustainable residues
The study will examine several key development areas, including:
- Regional and international biomethanol demand and potential offtake routes;
- UAE regulatory, permitting and jurisdictional framework;
industrial sites, utilities, infrastructure and port logistics; - International biocarbon feedstock supply and import logistics;
indicative capital and operating economics; - Potential project financing and investment structures; and
key development risks and the pathway towards investment readiness.
The work will culminate in an integrated feasibility assessment and recommendation on the appropriate next steps for Perpetual Next’s development in the UAE.
The UAE represents a compelling potential location within Perpetual Next’s international development strategy. Its position at the intersection of major global shipping routes, its established energy and industrial infrastructure and its ambition to develop lower-carbon fuels make it a market that warrants detailed evaluation. The award of this study allows us to move from a high-level opportunity assessment towards a much more structured understanding of the commercial, regulatory, logistical and financial conditions required to develop a project in the region. It will also provide the basis for our discussions with potential industrial partners, investors, financing institutions and other stakeholders as the opportunity develops, commented Anthony Mayle, Head of Business Development at Perpetual Next.
Part of a broader establishment strategy
The UAE concept would form part of Perpetual Next’s broader strategy to establish an international network of renewable carbon and biomethanol production assets, linking sustainable biomass resources with markets seeking scalable alternatives to fossil carbon.
Biomethanol can support the decarbonization of sectors where renewable carbon molecules remain essential, including maritime transport and the chemical industry.
The UAE’s position as an international logistics and energy hub provides the potential to serve both regional demand and export markets.
Kreston ME Consulting will combine local UAE market, regulatory and infrastructure expertise with the international capabilities of the Kreston Global network.
The study will include engagement with relevant industrial zones, infrastructure providers and market participants to validate key project assumptions.
We are pleased to support Perpetual Next as it evaluates the UAE as a potential location for its biomethanol platform. Our work will focus on establishing a clear evidence base across the commercial, regulatory, infrastructure and financial dimensions of the project, providing Perpetual Next with a structured basis for determining the most appropriate pathway forward, said Govind Menon, Growth Strategist at Kreston ME Consulting.
The feasibility study is expected to be completed in Q4 2026.
