Brazilian duo wants to produce e-methanol for shipping

Power utility company Eletrobras and pulp producer Suzano Papel e Celulose (Suzano) will explore the feasibility of producing e-methanol using biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) in Brazil to meet shipping demand.

PHOTO: 3D-rendered image of Suzano's pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil. LinkedIn of Suzano

E-methanol, also known as synthetic methanol, is produced by combining 100% biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) with green hydrogen. Biogenic CO2 is typically captured through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or direct air capture (DAC).

In this case, the biogenic CO2 will be captured directly from “burning of biomass and black liquor derived from the pulp production process at Suzano's mills,” the company said.

The study will also assess the construction costs related to e-methanol production. Meanwhile, Eletrobras will focus on supplying green hydrogen as a feedstock for the fuel, according to Suzano.

"The production of e-methanol, a fuel derived from renewable sources such as biogenic CO2 and low-carbon hydrogen, holds great promise for replacing fossil fuels in the maritime industry," remarked Paulo Squariz, Suzano's Energy Director.

By Konica Bhatt

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