Emvolon and Montauk partner to convert biogas into green methanol, aiming for 50,000 metric tons annually by 2030, supporting global decarbonization.
Emvolon and Montauk Renewables, Inc. have announced the formation of a new joint venture aimed at producing green methanol from biogas. Building on the success of an earlier field demonstration, the partners plan to roll out a portfolio of biogas-based projects capable of producing up to 50,000 metric tons of green methanol annually by 2030. The first project will be launched at the Atascocita Humble Renewable Energy (HRE) facility in Humble, Texas. Using Emvolon’s patented technology, this site will convert flared gas streams into low-carbon methanol, delivering up to 6,000 metric tons of green methanol per year.
Beyond the HRE facility, additional initiatives are already being discussed across Montauk’s development pipeline. This partnership marks a significant evolution in how biogas is utilized—expanding beyond its conventional use for renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity generation. The move opens new opportunities to decarbonize industries such as shipping, aviation, and chemical manufacturing.
Sean McClain, President and CEO of Montauk Renewables, emphasized the broader implications: “Montauk continues to expand the range of beneficial uses for biogas. This partnership’s potential is especially exciting, as it includes not only newly developed projects but also the waste streams from existing facilities. By combining Montauk’s expertise in methane capture and refinement with Emvolon’s innovative conversion platform, we can create scalable, low-carbon methanol that benefits multiple critical sectors while enhancing the economic feasibility of biogas projects.”
This development comes at a pivotal time for global shipping. In April, the International Maritime Organization introduced new net-zero regulations that will apply to ships exceeding 5,000 gross tonnage—vessels responsible for about 85% of greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. As a result, demand for green methanol is projected to rise sharply, with the Methanol Institute forecasting market growth to as much as 14 million metric tons annually by 2030.
The joint venture between Emvolon and Montauk presents a commercially viable solution by transforming previously wasted methane emissions into green methanol without adding new greenhouse gases. Notably, the approach avoids the need for costly pipeline infrastructure or dependence on government subsidies.
Dr. Emmanuel Kasseris, CEO of Emvolon, explained that their technology repurposes automobile engines into cost-efficient, modular chemical plants. This allows methane in biogas to be converted directly on-site into transportable, ready-to-use green chemicals and fuels. “Working alongside Montauk, we can not only eliminate flare emissions but also turn them into sustainable, revenue-generating resources urgently needed by sectors that are vital to the global economy,” he said.
With this collaboration, Emvolon and Montauk are positioning themselves at the forefront of green fuel innovation, helping industries meet climate goals while unlocking new value from untapped biogas resources.
