The companies plan to deploy a portfolio of biogas-based sites with an aggregate annual production capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons of green methanol by 2030 beginning with the Atascocita Humble Renewable Energy facility in Humble, Texas.
Using Emvolon’s patented technology, the HRE site will convert a flared gas stream into low carbon methanol, generating up to 6,000 metric tons of green methanol annually. Additional projects are being discussed across Montauk’s development pipeline.
The joint effort between Emvolon and Montauk marks a significant expansion of biogas utilization beyond traditional renewable natural gas (RNG) and power applications, unlocking new pathways to decarbonize industrial sectors.
“Montauk continues to expand the horizon of the beneficial uses of biogas,” said Sean McClain, President and CEO of Montauk. “The opportunity set for this partnership is truly exciting and extends beyond new undeveloped projects to include the waste streams from existing biogas facilities.”
In April, the International Maritime Organization approved new net-zero regulations that will be mandatory for ships with more than 5,000 gross tonnage, which emit 85% of greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.
Demand for green methanol is surging as a result, with the global market expected to grow up to 14 million metric tons by 2030 according to the Methanol Institute. With the joint development venture, Emvolon and Montauk will monetize previously wasted methane emissions by converting these emissions into green methanol, without producing new greenhouse gas emissions, or relying on expensive pipeline infrastructure or government subsidies.
“Emvolon’s technology platform repurposes car engines as cost-effective, modular chemical plants to convert the methane in biogas onsite into ready-to-use, easy-to-transport liquid green chemicals and fuels,” said Dr. Emmanuel Kasseris, CEO of Emvolon. “Together with Montauk, we have the ability to not only eliminate flare emissions, but also transform those emissions into sustainable, revenue-generating resources that sectors critical to our global economy desperately need right now.”
