Johnson Matthey has partnered with Guangdong Liquid Sunshine to deploy its industry-leading methanol technology at a new 75,000-tonne biomethanol plant in Guangxi, China, marking a significant milestone in the country’s 2026–2030 green transition. The project integrates advanced biomass gasification with future e-methanol production to provide a scalable, low-carbon fuel solution aimed at decarbonizing the global maritime industry.
United Kingdom | April 27, 2026 – In a move that signals a rapid acceleration of the maritime industry’s “green transition,” Guangdong Liquid Sunshine has selected Johnson Matthey (JM) as the primary technology partner for a new commercial-scale biomethanol plant in Tiandong County, Guangxi Province.
The project is a cornerstone of the first wave of commercial initiatives aimed at providing “early adopter” shipowners with a viable pathway to decarbonization. The facility marks a significant milestone for JM’s Catalyst Technologies business, representing its second green methanol license win in China.
A Strategic Pillar of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan
The timing of the project is no coincidence. China’s latest Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) has formally identified advanced green fuels, specifically methanol, ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as strategic, high-growth industries.
By aggressively expanding its green fuel capacity, China aims to:
- Decarbonize the global shipping sector.
- Reduce dependence on imported oil and gas.
- Establish leadership in the low-carbon chemical and maritime energy markets.
Technical Innovation: From Waste to “E-Fuel”
The Guangxi plant is designed to be a showcase of cutting-edge gasification and renewable power integration. Using JM’s industry-leading methanol technology, the facility will convert gasified biomass waste into high-purity biomethanol.
The Tiandong County project is designed as a high-tech powerhouse of carbon circularity. Construction on Phase One is slated to begin later this year, with an ambitious annual production target of 75,000 tonnes of biomethanol.
The technological core of the plant involves a sophisticated integration of renewable power systems and advanced gasification. Liquid Sunshine is co-developing a Biomass Dual Fluidized Bed Chemical Chain Gasification Technology alongside the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This proprietary method achieves highly selective conversion of tar and methane, which Johnson Matthey’s technology then transforms into high-purity biomethanol.
Phase Two, pending approval, takes the decarbonization effort a step further:
- Carbon Capture: The second phase will capture excess CO2 generated during the initial biomethanol production.
- E-Methanol Synthesis: This captured CO2 will be combined with electrolytic hydrogen to produce e-methanol.
- Scaling Without Footprint: This “bolt-on” approach allows the site to increase low-carbon fuel capacity without requiring additional biomass feedstock, directly addressing international e-fuel mandates.
The project will be executed in two distinct phases:
Deep Dive: The integration of Phase II allows the site to increase production without requiring additional biomass feedstock, creating a circular “e-fuel” loop that aligns with strict European and international maritime mandates.
Strategic Partnerships and Local Execution
The project is a collaborative effort involving several heavyweights in the energy and engineering sectors. While Guangdong Liquid Sunshine leads as the developer, the plant will be jointly constructed with the Tiandong County People’s Government and China Coal Guangxi New Energy.
East China Engineering Science and Technology Co. (ECEC) will serve as the lead engineering partner. The collaboration is further solidified by a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JM, Liquid Sunshine, and ECEC to explore future decarbonization projects in China.
Proprietary Technology at Play:
- Liquid Sunshine: Co-developing Biomass Dual Fluidized Bed Chemical Chain Gasification Technology with the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology (Chinese Academy of Sciences).
- Johnson Matthey: Providing a proprietary methanol synthesis loop and high-performance catalysts proven to enhance long-term operational performance.
- ECEC: Bringing expertise in green hydrogen production and complex chemical process integration.
Driving the Low-Carbon Fuel Transition
Alberto Giovanzana, CEO of Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey said “Johnson Matthey has worked in China for more than 30 years… This project represents our second green methanol plant license win in China. Our world-leading methanol synthesis technology will play an increasingly vital role as the site eventually integrates biomethanol with e-methanol production. Once operational, this refinery will help meet the growing demand for fuel and energy security in the marine industry.”
Xi Jiang, Executive President of Liquid Sunshine said “The renewable energy and chemical industries are entering a critical phase of accelerated growth here in China. We are delighted to have JM’s technical expertise on board… This collaboration marks an important starting point for deeper partnerships with global technology leaders… enabling both parties to actively explore domestic and international green energy markets.”
| Entity | Core Capability | Role in Project |
| Johnson Matthey | 200+ years in platinum group metals (PGMs) and advanced chemistry. | Process design and high-performance catalyst products. |
| Guangdong Liquid Sunshine | Based in Guangzhou; R&D in green energy and equipment manufacturing. | Project developer and holder of CAS-backed gasification IP. |
| ECEC | Engineering powerhouse in green hydrogen and ecological governance. | Lead project partner for engineering and system integration. |
About Guangdong Liquid Sunshine Green Energy Co., Ltd.
Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, Guangdong Liquid Sunshine is a premier international provider of renewable energy transformation technologies. The company specializes in green energy R&D, equipment manufacturing, low-carbon chemical production, and the international trading of bulk green energy.
In collaboration with the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess (Chinese Academy of Sciences), the company developed its flagship biomass chemical chain gasification technology. This innovation enables the highly selective and directional conversion of tar and methane, providing critical technical infrastructure to support China’s “dual-carbon” strategic objectives.
About Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey is a global leader in platinum group metals (PGMs). For over 200 years, the company has leveraged advanced metals chemistry to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Today, many of the world’s leading energy, chemical, and automotive brands rely on JM’s technology and expertise to decarbonize operations, reduce emissions, and enhance sustainability. As the global community addresses climate change, energy security, and resource scarcity, Johnson Matthey continues to deliver “metals that matter” for a healthier, more sustainable world.
Source: Johnson Matthey