Dutch technology-based energy company GIDARA Energy B.V. has revealed details of a second advanced methanol biorefinery project that it plans to build in the Netherlands.
The Port of Rotterdam is the location of GIDARA Energy’s second advanced biofuels facility.
Advanced Methanol Rotterdam (AMR) is being developed together with the Port of Rotterdam and will convert non-recyclable waste into advanced methanol.
In order to meet the demand for cleaner fuels, GIDARA Energy needs to grow aggressively. This announcement of our Rotterdam facility demonstrates how dedicated we are to taking on the environmental and waste challenges we are all facing, said Wim van der Zande, CEO at GIDARA Energy.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority has provided a unique site located in the port for this facility.
The advanced methanol will replace fossil fuels, and achieve carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions outlined in the Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) and Fit-for-55 frameworks.
Non-recyclable waste to renewable fuels
Last year, GIDARA Energy announced Advanced Methanol Amsterdam (AMA), a state-of-the-art renewable fuels facility that will also serve as a blueprint for AMR.
The two facilities will be identical, utilizing GIDARA Energy’s patented High-Temperature Winkler (HTW) gasification technology, which converts non-recyclable waste to renewable fuels.
As we have standardized our design and modularised our application, we are able to directly replicate the Amsterdam facility. The location, quality of infrastructure, and access to a broad network of partners were leading factors in deciding the location of our second facility, explained Wim van der Zande.
This technology has been used commercially in four other waste to clean syngas production facilities.
According to the company, Advanced Methanol Rotterdam will achieve a reduction of 350 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per annum.
It will produce approximately 90 000 tonnes of renewable methanol per annum by converting 180 000 tonnes of local non-recyclable waste that is currently being incinerated.
Utilize all process streams
All side streams of the conversion process at the AMR facility will be put to use.
The CO2 will be captured and led to local greenhouses; bottom product residue will be used for cement production; and other streams like ammonia and salts will be sold and used as feedstock for other industries and road salt respectively, creating a fully circular concept.
The cooperation with the Port of Rotterdam makes it possible to develop the integrated product value chain from waste to fuel and other valuable by-products, Wim van der Zande said.
The facility is scheduled to start detailed engineering and construction in the first half of 2023 when a permit is received, and start production of renewable methanol in 2025.
Aligned with Port of Rotterdam climate ambitions
The 8.5 ha site for AMR is strategically located at the Torontostraat within the Botlek area of the Port of Rotterdam and is connected to feedstock providers, storage terminals, and other companies.
The location of the facility is chosen to have an integrated product value chain within a short distance.
The Port of Rotterdam’s strategy is to facilitate its existing industries in reducing their carbon footprint and attracting new businesses that fit in the Port Authority’s ambition to be a CO2 neutral port and industrial complex in 2050.
The Advanced Methanol Rotterdam plant matches very well with our long-term vision for the transition of the industry in the Port. This development also shows the importance of clear and reliable governmental policies regarding the energy transition. In this case, regulations regarding the use of sustainable transport fuels make companies confident they can invest in plants like this, Allard Castelein said.
Versatile product
Advanced methanol is a versatile renewable transportation fuel and platform chemical. As a fuel it can be used in the road transport, marine, and aviation sectors, helping these sectors to reduce carbon emissions and become more sustainable.
One of the main off-takers of the AMR facility will be FinCo Fuel Group B.V. a sustainable fuels supplier with a wide network of sales companies. These include Gulf Bunkering, GoodFuels, Licorne Fuel, Dalergy Group, and Gulf Netherlands.
Based in the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, FinCo is a major player in delivering various low-carbon energy carriers to both road and marine clients.
At FinCo we aim to rapidly increase the share of sustainable, renewable fuels by adding new and innovative products to our portfolio. The bio-methanol that GIDARA Energy is going to produce at the Advanced Methanol Rotterdam facility converts waste stream into a renewable fuel that we can offer to our clients to displace diesel and fuel oil in shipping, both at sea as well as on our rivers. An added benefit of bio-methanol is that it not only reduces CO2 emissions but also improves local air quality, said Bart-Willem ten Cate, Renewables Strategy and Development at FinCo Fuel Group.
