Magnon Green Energy, the Ence Group’s energy subsidiary, is promoting a pioneering project for the capture and recovery of biogenic CO2 at its biomass-based renewable electricity generation plant in Huelva.
The initiative aims to turn its site into a hub of reference in the production of renewable fuels and biogenic CO2 capture, facilitating the transition from grey methanol (of fossil origin) to green methanol (e-methanol). It is a renewable fuel that will contribute to decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as the aeronautical and maritime sectors.
In this regard, it should be noted that the company has just reached an important milestone in the environmental processing of the project. The Department of Sustainability and Environment of the Regional Government of Andalusia, through the Territorial Delegation of Sustainability and Environment in Huelva, has agreed to open a public information period that includes the capture of biogenic CO2, the installation of an electrolysis plant for the generation of green hydrogen and the synthesis of 250,000 tonnes of renewable methanol per year, at its industrial complex in Huelva.
This project joins the one already announced by Magnon at its Puertollano (Ciudad Real) plant for the capture and valorisation of biogenic CO2.
Four million tonnes of biogenic CO2 per year
The Ence Group produces more than four million tonnes of biogenic CO2 per year, of which nearly one million tonnes are generated at the Huelva facility. The recovery of this gas is key to the production of advanced renewable fuels, which in turn require a source of renewable carbon.
Magnon Green Energy’s plant in Huelva has a renewable electricity generation capacity of 137 MW with biomass and recovers more than 800,000 tonnes per year of agroforestry waste from the surrounding area, thereby contributing to the circular economy thanks to the responsible management of biomass, reducing the risk of forest fires and diffuse emissions from the uncontrolled burning of agricultural waste.
Renewable methanol, a lever for decarbonisation
Methanol is a product with great potential in the decarbonisation process. It is used in the manufacture of essential products such as acrylic plastics, adhesives, paints, and in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries, among others. Moreover, as a liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, it is easy to transport and store, and already has an extensive global logistics network.
Currently, most methanol is produced from natural gas and coal, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Magnon Green Energy’s plant will support the production of renewable methanol (e-methanol), based on biogenic CO2 that can be used directly as a marine fuel or for conversion into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
