Iceland-headed emissions-to-liquids (ETL) technology developer Carbon Recycling International hf (CRI) has announced the inauguration of the world's first large-scale CO2-to-methanol plant that took place on February 21, 2023, in Anyang, Henan province, China. The event featured speeches from both Chinese and Icelandic officials celebrating this milestone and announcements of further collaboration between the project partners.
The Shunli methanol plant is a lighthouse project for energy diversification and carbon emission reduction by using recovered hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2) to synthesize 110 000 tonnes of methanol every year.
The production process is based on CRI’s proprietary Emissions-to-Liquids technology.
The project is also a great example of a successful collaboration between Icelandic and Chinese companies to bring innovative and clean technology to the market where it can have a real impact.
At the event, it was announced that Geely Holding and Shuncheng Group – who are co-investors in the plant – have signed agreements for the delivery of 300 methanol-powered heavy-duty trucks manufactured by Farizon Auto, a part of the Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group.
The first 30 trucks have already been delivered and they will be used for the operations of the Shuncheng Group, powered by the locally produced, low-carbon intensity methanol.
This fuel switch is expected to reduce overall diesel consumption by 15 000 tonnes annually.
Geely has been deeply involved in the sustainable development of methanol as a fuel for vehicles for the past 18 years with currently over 30 000 methanol-powered vehicles on the road.
According to the partners, building a methanol circular economy is an effective way to boost energy security and carbon neutrality.
