Canada’s Nova Sustainable Fuels is positioning Halifax, Nova Scotia, as a premier North Atlantic hub for renewable marine fuels through its partnership with thyssenkrupp Uhde. By integrating the high-efficiency PRENFLO gasification technology, the project will produce 450,000 metric tons of bio-methanol annually, powered by over 1 GW of renewable energy.
Canada | March 02, 2026 – The race to secure scalable supplies of low-carbon marine fuel has shifted to Eastern Canada. Nova Sustainable Fuels (NSF), backed by the global investment giant Octopus Energy Generation, has officially awarded thyssenkrupp Uhde a critical contract to integrate its world-leading gasification and methanol synthesis technology into a massive new biomass-to-methanol facility.
The project aims to produce 450,000 metric tons of bio-methanol annually, providing the global shipping industry with a vital “green molecule” alternative as the sector faces tightening emissions regulations.
The Technology: From Woody Biomass to Green Bunkers
The heart of the project lies in the integration of two proprietary thyssenkrupp Uhde systems, designed to maximize efficiency and project “bankability”:
- PRENFLO PDQ Gasification: A high-efficiency process that converts sustainable woody biomass into high-quality synthesis gas (syngas).
- Methanol Synthesis: An advanced conversion process that turns syngas into liquid methanol, suitable for immediate use in methanol-ready dual-fuel vessels.
- Renewable Power Integration: The facility will be powered by a staggering 1 GW+ of renewable electricity generated from NSF’s own planned solar and wind farms in Nova Scotia.
Strategic Significance
For bunkering hubs in the North Atlantic, this project represents a significant shift in supply chain logistics. By combining 1 GW of wind and solar with local biomass, NSF is creating a “clean-energy system” that addresses the two biggest hurdles in green fuel production: scale and feedstock consistency.
Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde stated “Decarbonizing chemicals and fuels is one of the defining challenges of our time. Sustainable methanol has a vital role to play in creating a cleaner energy and industrial future. Partnering with Nova Sustainable Fuels on this forward-thinking initiative is a meaningful step for us toward a low-carbon future.”
Timeline to Operations
The project is moving through the development pipeline with significant momentum following its first environmental assessment approval in December 2025.
| Milestone | Expected Date |
| Environmental Approval | Completed (Dec 2025) |
| Integration Study Results | 2026/2027 |
| Construction Commencement | 2028 |
| Full Operational Status | 2031 |
Andrew Parsons, Project Director for NSF, noted that the partnership with the German engineering giant adds significant weight to the Canadian project. “Their involvement strengthens our project and reinforces our confidence in its long-term success. This collaboration is a significant step forward and underscores the momentum we’re building.”
The Bunkering Impact
As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightens carbon intensity regulations, the demand for “well-to-wake” sustainable fuels is skyrocketing. Renewable methanol is increasingly viewed as a frontrunner due to its ease of handling compared to hydrogen and its compatibility with dual-fuel engine technology already entering the global fleet. This Nova Scotia project represents one of the largest planned contributions to the North American green bunker supply chain.
About the Partners
About Nova Sustainable Fuels
Nova Sustainable Fuels (NSF) is pioneering the future of green transportation by harnessing renewable energy to create sustainable fuels. Headquartered in Halifax, Canada, NSF is backed by Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest specialist renewables investors with a portfolio of 5 GW across 21 countries. NSF is currently developing one of Eastern Canada’s most ambitious energy projects, which includes over 1 GW of onshore renewable electricity generation and the annual production of 165,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and 450,000 tonnes of bio-methanol.
About thyssenkrupp Uhde
thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction, and service of chemical plants. The company develops innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future, contributing to the long-term success of customers across nearly all sectors of the chemical industry. Its market-leading portfolio includes technologies for the production of base chemicals, fertilizers, and polymers, as well as complete value chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals.
Source: thyssenkrupp Uhde