World's First Large-Scale E-Methanol Plant Paves Way for Carbon-Neutral Fuel Revolution
A team from TU Bergakademie Freiberg and CAC ENGINEERING GmbH has visited the world's first large-scale e-methanol plant in Kassø, Denmark. The trip marked a major step forward in producing carbon-neutral fuel from green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂. For the first time, renewable e-methanol was successfully turned into nearly 23,000 litres of climate-friendly gasoline at Freiberg's pilot plant.
The visit was part of the DeCarTrans project, funded by Germany's Federal Ministry of Transport. TU Bergakademie Freiberg's subproject, backed by €12.78 million, aims to demonstrate the long-term viability of synthetic gasoline production. Professor Martin Gräbner highlighted the significance of using e-methanol in their pilot plant, calling it a key milestone before full industrial-scale operations.
The Kassø plant, set to open in 2025, will supply renewable methanol made from green energy. This methanol, produced from biogenic CO₂ and hydrogen generated with renewable electricity, enables a closed carbon loop. The process cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional fossil gasoline.
Dr. Mario Kuschel of CAC ENGINEERING confirmed that their METHAFUEL process now relies entirely on an industrially available, power-based carbon carrier. This breakthrough allows the Saxon team to refine production methods further. The plant will serve industrial and mobility sector customers, supporting large-scale adoption of carbon-neutral fuels.
Beyond Denmark, similar projects are advancing globally. Finland plans up to 100 e-fuel plants for e-kerosene, e-methanol, and e-methane, with companies like Norsk e-Fuel and Liquid Wind involved. Germany is also developing a major e-SAF (e-kerosene) plant in Schwedt, funded with €350 million, though its launch depends on EU approval. Market analyses suggest many large-scale power-to-liquid (PtL) plants are nearing commercialisation, despite challenges like electrolyzer shortages limiting exact counts.
The successful conversion of e-methanol into gasoline at Freiberg's pilot plant proves the feasibility of carbon-neutral fuel production. With the Kassø plant preparing for large-scale operations in 2025, the project demonstrates a practical path to cutting emissions in transport and industry. Further developments in Germany and Finland signal growing momentum behind renewable e-fuels worldwide.
