Our
Projects

Our Off-grid Green Methanol Projects

ETFuels develops projects that couple giant off-grid renewable energy installations with electrolysers. These electrolysers use electricity to split water into hydrogen. We then use the resulting green hydrogen to convert CO2 into a green fuel called methanol, which is ultimately used to power ships.

ETFuels produces methanol using three feedstocks – renewable electricity, water, and CO2.  We generate our own renewable energy and use this to split water into “green” hydrogen and oxygen in an electrolyser. This hydrogen is then combined with CO2 from a third party source in a methanol synthesis facility to produce methanol. The methanol is liquid at room temperature, and can be stored and transported to the customer at the nearest port.

ETFuels develops, builds, owns and operates the entirety of the operation, with the exception of the CO2 capture which we either manage in house or procure CO2 from third parties. The process works as follows:

Our production model uses technically mature processes developed by established suppliers in a unique off-grid configuration. All components of this model (renewables, electrolysis, methanol synthesis) have been proven at scale for decades. Our differentiating factor is how we package these technologies together and then optimise them without a grid connection.

Further, by operating the equipment within an island mode of off grid renewable electricity generation, we do not incur the time or regulatory risk associated with network interconnection. This is another key differentiator to conventional green hydrogen projects.

Case
Study

Let’s zoom in on a project we are developing in Spain.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

ETFuels is developing a 100,000 tonne green e-methanol plant, with target production from 2029.

Key characteristics and partners

Customer

ETFuels have agreements in place with a number of global shipping customers

Site and renewable energy

420 MW of solar PV
120 MW of onshore wind

Carbon dioxide

CO2 secured via an exclusive partnership with Cemex

Hydrogen and e-methanol

220MW of electrolyser capacity
100kT of green e-methanol

Logistics

Distance to port of Algeciras: 500km
Distance to port of Alicante: 200km

Timelines

Financial Investment Decision: 2026
Production: 2029

Locations

The places in between - glimpse our off-grid future

Our off-grid model opens up the world to green fuel production at Hyperscale: We can build deep decarbonisation projects anywhere that has phenomenal renewable energy resources.

Our starting ambition was to produce the lowest cost product and find the best off-grid projects in Europe and North America to become a pan-Atlantic producer. To achieve this we evaluated both continents to identify the most attractive places to begin. Spain, Finland and Texas in the US came out on top so that’s where we went.

ETFuels produces fuels both sides of the Atlantic.

Finland

Arctic leopard

Vast green fuels farm in Northern Lapland - plunged in full darkness 23 hours a day in winter - powered by relentless Arctic winds.

Spain

Desert oasis

Aggregating a series of off-grid plots in Southern Spain, we are blending wind and solar, and delivering green industry to transform the region.

US

Tierra Alta

Sprawling clean fuels hub embedded deep in Texas and intertwined with local industry, we are delivering the world’s largest and most circular green fuels facility.

ETFuels began their US journey in Texas...

Why Texas?
Texas is one of the best locations globally for e-fuel production, thanks to its abundant renewable energy resources and industrial infrastructure. The state is a leader in wind energy production, and has significant solar potential, especially in West Texas. These renewable resources provide a cost-effective and reliable energy supply for processes like electrolysis, critical to e-fuel production.

In addition, Texas has an established industrial base, particularly in the chemical and refining sectors, which can be leveraged for scaling e-fuel production. The state's expansive port network, including Houston and Corpus Christi, facilitates both domestic distribution and international export. Combined with its pro-business environment, regulatory support for energy innovation, and robust infrastructure, Texas offers unmatched potential for producing e-fuels at scale.

Project location: West Texas, US
Land status: secured
Renewable energy: wind, solar, battery storage
CO2 source: biogenic
e-methanol production: 120,000 tonnes per year
CO2 avoided: 240,000 tonnes per year

Project location: Pan Handle Texas, US
Land status: secured
Renewable energy: wind, solar, battery storage
CO2 source: biogenic
e-methanol production: 120,000 tonnes per year
CO2 avoided: 240,000 tonnes per year

Project location: Pan Handle Texas, US
Land status: secured
Renewable energy: wind, solar, battery storage
CO2 source: biogenic
e-methanol production: 100,000 tonnes per year
CO2 avoided: 240,000 tonnes per year

ETFuels started in Europe in Spain…

Why Spain?
Spain is an ideal location for e-fuel production in Europe due to its abundant renewable energy resources and strategic geographical advantages. With some of the highest solar radiation levels in Europe and significant wind energy potential, Spain offers a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable power mix for e-fuel production.

The country's robust industrial and logistics infrastructure further strengthens its position as a leader in e-fuel production. Spain's existing chemical and refining industries provide a foundation for scaling up e-fuel production, while advanced transport networks ensure efficient movement of raw materials and finished products. Abundant CO2 sources, such as emissions from industrial plants, can be captured and utilized. These factors, combined with Spain’s commitment to renewable energy expansion, make it a prime location for developing sustainable e-fuels at scale.

Project Location: Ossa de Montiel, Albacete, Spain
Land status: secured
Renewable energy: wind, solar, battery storage
CO2 source: biogenic
e-methanol production: 100,000 tonnes per year
CO2 avoided: 200,000 tonnes per year

Project location: Albacete, Spain
Land status: secured
Renewable energy: wind, solar, battery storage
CO2 source: biogenic
e-methanol production: 100,000 tonnes per year
CO2 avoided: 200,000 tonnes per year

And in Finland…

Why Finland?
Finland is an excellent location for e-fuel production in Europe due to its abundant renewable energy resources and strong environmental commitment. The country boasts vast wind energy potential, particularly in its coastal and northern regions, where wind conditions are highly favorable. Additionally, Finland's extensive forestry industry provides a sustainable source of biomass for renewable energy production, complementing wind power and ensuring a stable energy supply. The nation’s commitment to carbon neutrality and advanced energy grid further support the integration of renewable energy into e-fuel production processes.

Finland’s industrial infrastructure and logistical networks enhance its suitability for e-fuel development. The country has well-established industrial facilities and access to CO2 sources from its paper, pulp, and other industrial processes, which can be captured and repurposed. Its proximity to European markets and excellent port facilities enable efficient distribution of e-fuels within the EU and beyond. Furthermore, Finland’s expertise in clean technology and its favorable policy framework for decarbonisation make it an ideal hub for scaling up sustainable e-fuel production.

Project location: Ranua, Finland
Land status: secured
Renewable energy: wind, biomass, battery storage
CO2 source: biogenic
e-methanol production: 100,000 tonnes per year
CO2 avoided: 200,000 tonnes per year

January 22, 2024

ETFuels awarded €15M grant in Spain

ETFuels has started 2024 with a bang. Fantastic news from Spain where one of our earlier projects in Castilla-la-mancha has been officially awarded a €15M grant.

The project itself is a 100,000 tonne green methanol plant and will deliver two broad benefits and impacts:

1. Green jobs: When in operation the plant will deliver 60 full time jobs  and around 400 indirect jobs. This particular plant is in a region impacted by “España Vacía”. This modern scourge is decimating the Spanish countryside. When you drive through rural Spain, vast swathes of villages and towns appear effectively empty. These green jobs will act as the ‘tip of the spear’ to further industrial growth, as well as benefits for local schools.

2. Environmental impact: we will deliver over 250,000 tonnes of CO2 emission reductions. This will be a solid first step towards our goal of decarbonisation of heavy industry, starting with global shipping. Our fuel will act as a bridge to enable the creation of fully green value chains, delivering genuinely green goods to end customers across the seven seas.

This was awarded by the Spanish Government’s Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) under the H2 Pioneros program from a pool of over 100 green hydrogen projects. The ETFuels team wanted to thank the individuals in this team for their continued support.