Imagine replacing a giant, gas-burning furnace with a high-tech electric heater to make fuel. This switch makes the equipment tiny—up to 100 times smaller—and stops the process from releasing carbon dioxide directly into the air. It's like swapping a massive old boiler for a compact, clean electric version to create green methanol for ships.
Traditional methanol production requires massive footprints and releases significant CO2. Shipping companies struggle to find cost-competitive, sustainable fuel alternatives to meet emission targets.
An industrial-scale electrically heated steam methane reformer (eSMR) plant and an ecosystem simulation platform for energy efficiency prediction.
If you are a ship owner dealing with strict emission targets — this project developed an eSMR-based production method that provides sustainable methanol fuel for container vessels. This allows ships to run on cleaner energy while keeping costs close to fossil alternatives.
If you are a chemical plant dealing with massive land requirements and high CO2 emissions — this project developed a reactor that is up to 100 times smaller than current plants. It removes direct CO2 emissions and increases carbon efficiency from 40% to over 90%.
If you are a biogas site owner dealing with underutilized resource streams — this project developed a scalable eSMR solution that can be added to thousands of biogas sites. It allows for the production of high-value methanol by adding hydrogen and CO2.
The project targets a cost level similar to biogas and aims to bring the price closer to that of fossil methanol alternatives.
Yes, the project is using the eSMR reactor at an industrial scale for the first time, moving beyond previous lab-scale prototypes.
Based on available project data, Topsoe delivers the process plant to the operator, Gasnor.
The eSMR technology allows for reactor designs that are up to 100 times smaller than current SMR plants.
The project runs from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2028.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted at 57%, consisting of 7 partners across 4 countries. It features a strong commercial pipeline: Topsoe (technology provider), Gasnor (plant operator/LNG provider), and Wilhelmsen/TOPEKA (end-customer), supported by research from NTNU and CERTH. This structure ensures a direct path from technical development to market application.
Contact GASNOR AS in Norway
Contact us to explore licensing or partnership opportunities for eSMR technology.
