Mitsui and Celanese Collaborate to Start Methanol Production through CO2 Conversion

Fairway Methanol, a collaborative effort between Japan's Mitsui & Co. and the U.S.-based Celanese Corporation, has successfully initiated methanol production by harnessing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from nearby plants. Positioned as a 50-50 joint venture, Fairway Methanol marks a significant milestone in carbon capture and utilization (CCU) initiatives, where industry-derived CO2 is viewed as a valuable resource and repurposed as a raw material.

According to Mitsui, Fairway Methanol is poised to capture an impressive 180 thousand metric tons of CO2 annually, leveraging it to produce 130 thousand metric tons of low-carbon methanol. This groundbreaking endeavor not only signifies a commitment to sustainable practices but also amplifies the annual production capacity of Fairway Methanol to a noteworthy 1.63 million metric tons.

The core principle underlying such CCU projects is the recognition of CO2 as a reusable resource, enabling a paradigm shift toward carbon recycling and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Mitsui emphasizes that Fairway Methanol's latest initiative stands as a testament to this concept, providing the company with another impactful low-carbon solution within its methanol business portfolio.

This venture into methanol production using industry-derived CO2 aligns seamlessly with Mitsui's broader strategy in pursuing sustainable and environmentally conscious projects. It follows in the footsteps of Mitsui's engagement in other notable CCU projects, reinforcing the company's commitment to fostering a circular economy and mitigating environmental impact.

One of Mitsui's significant moves in this direction was the agreement to acquire a stake in the solar park and e-methanol production facility, Kasso, in Denmark during the summer of 2023. The Kasso facility operates on the production of e-methanol, a low-carbon variant synthesized by utilizing green hydrogen generated through renewable-based electricity and green CO2 captured from biomass sources. The e-methanol business at Solar Park Kasso boasts an annual production capacity of up to 42,000 tons, contributing substantially to Mitsui's diversified portfolio of sustainable methanol solutions.

Fairway Methanol's successful initiation of methanol production through CO2 capture marks a significant stride in Mitsui's commitment to environmentally conscious practices. By tapping into the potential of industry-derived CO2 as a valuable resource, Mitsui not only expands its methanol production capacity but also contributes to the broader goals of carbon recycling and emission reduction. This venture, alongside Mitsui's involvement in the e-methanol production at Solar Park Kasso, exemplifies the company's multifaceted approach to sustainable solutions within the methanol industry. As Mitsui continues to position itself as a key player in the realm of low-carbon alternatives, these initiatives underscore the pivotal role of industry collaboration and innovative thinking in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.