In a significant stride towards sustainable production methods, RINA, a leading inspection, certification, ship classification, and engineering consultancy multinational, has granted Kindon New Energy Technology (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. the Approval in Principle (AiP) for its groundbreaking green methanol offshore production platform solution.
This innovative platform represents a pioneering shift in methanol production, as it produces methanol entirely offshore, derived from renewable CO2 through Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology and green hydrogen from offshore wind power water electrolysis technology.
Luigi Mattera, Greater China Marine Operations Director at RINA, emphasized the importance of decarbonization technologies, stating, “RINA works with and supports projects for a broad range of decarbonization technologies. Almost all current methanol synthesis processes use CO2 from carbon capture from industry originated from fossil fuels. Using the latest DAC technology, the AiP acknowledges that the methanol produced on this offshore production platform adheres to the strictest standards of green methanol.”
Wenbo Wang, CEO of Kindon New Energy, highlighted the sustainability of the process, stating, “The entire process for methanol production uses genuinely green hydrogen, renewable carbon dioxide from DAC, and sustainable electricity. The concept provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels on the pathway to decarbonization.”
The offshore platform is projected to produce 0.1 MTPA (Metric Tons Per Annum) of green methanol, synthesizing methanol from hydrogen and carbon dioxide under high temperature and pressure conditions. Notably, all methanol synthesis processes are completed on the offshore platform, with electrical needs entirely met by green electricity generated from offshore wind power.
By leveraging DAC technology, the platform ensures a readily available supply of CO2. Additionally, the system is designed with interfaces for future access to external supplies of green or biomass-derived CO2, further enhancing its sustainability.
Expressing satisfaction with the innovative approach, Mattera concluded, “We are delighted to award Kindon this AiP. This innovative approach marks a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods in the marine and offshore industries.”
Source RINA