Johnson Matthey commissions three methanol trains in China, enhancing global sustainable production and supporting future energy needs in fast-growing regions.
Johnson Matthey has announced the successful commissioning of three state-of-the-art methanol production trains for Inner Mongolia Baofeng Coal-based New Materials Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group. These production units were commissioned in three phases—specifically in November 2024, February 2025, and March 2025. The large-scale methanol plant is strategically located in the Wushenqi Sulige Economic Development Zone in Ordos City, within China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The facility utilizes Johnson Matthey’s proprietary methanol synthesis technology and highly efficient catalysts to enable advanced and environmentally conscious methanol production.
This development marks a significant achievement in Johnson Matthey’s ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint in clean energy and sustainable chemical manufacturing. The commissioning reflects the company's proven ability to deliver world-scale methanol technology solutions, a capability that is becoming especially important in rapidly developing economies such as India. In this context, methanol is increasingly recognized as a critical feedstock and energy carrier in the transition toward a low-carbon future. Supporting this regional growth, Johnson Matthey has recently opened an engineering centre in Mumbai, India, which will play a pivotal role in advancing similar low-carbon technology projects across Asia and other global markets.
The relationship between Johnson Matthey and Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group is a cornerstone of this success. Their strategic collaboration began in 2014 and has since evolved into a deep and productive partnership. The commissioning of this latest methanol plant is a major milestone in that collaboration. Johnson Matthey was awarded the contract for this complex in 2020. The scope of work included process licensing for three methanol trains, process design, technical review, commissioning support, and the supply of proprietary catalysts.
To date, Johnson Matthey has licensed seven methanol synthesis units to Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group, a testament to the trust and performance that has defined their partnership. The latest project also marks Johnson Matthey’s 14th methanol facility commissioned in China, with a cumulative production capacity surpassing 1.8 million tonnes per year. Notably, the plant demonstrates the success of integrating Chinese-fabricated radial steam-raising converters and compressors into large-scale chemical operations.
The facility converts synthesis gas (syngas) into high-quality methanol using Johnson Matthey’s advanced catalyst systems. This methanol is subsequently used in downstream processes to produce olefins, an essential component in various petrochemical applications. The technology not only ensures production efficiency but also supports greener, more sustainable industrial practices. Through projects like this, Johnson Matthey continues to reinforce its leadership in clean energy, industrial chemistry, and sustainable production solutions worldwide.
