GIDARA Energy has secured a key environmental permit for its Advanced Methanol Amsterdam facility, which will convert local waste into advanced methanol.
Text and images by GIDARA Energy
The renewable methanol facility in the Port of Amsterdam will use GIDARA Energy’s patented HTW® gasification technology to convert waste into bio methanol. This versatile fuel can be used in road transport, in the maritime sector, and for producing sustainable aviation fuels. Obtaining this permit is a significant milestone in the development of the facility, enabling the production of renewable fuels and, in the future, high-quality circular chemicals.
Amsterdam BioPark
Advanced Methanol Amsterdam (AMA) is set to be built at BioPark, the primary development site for producers of renewable fuels in the Port of Amsterdam. The facility will convert approximately 360,000 tons of waste into 90,000 tons of renewable methanol annually. AMA is destined to produce advanced methanol that meets the European biofuel mandate (RED II, June 2021) and local Dutch legislation. The site will also be home to a testing facility, knowledge centre, and pilot plant. The production facility is expected to be fully operational in 2025.
AMA will produce an average of 87,500 tonnes of advanced methanol per year by converting non-recyclable waste equivalent to that of 290,000 households yearly, which otherwise would be landfilled or incinerated. The methanol will be used for fuel blending; the produced renewable fuel will replace fossil-based fuels, creating significant carbon savings.
Waste to chemical facilities
Advanced Methanol Amsterdam (AMA) and Advanced Methanol Rotterdam (AMR) are GIDARA Energy’s flagship renewable fuels facilities, based in the Port of Amsterdam and Port of Rotterdam, respectively. The facilities will achieve a combined reduction of 700,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2eq) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per year, producing approximately 180,000 tons of renewable methanol yearly by converting 360,000 tons of local non-recyclable waste that is currently being incinerated.
Stainless steels in methanol production
Stainless steels play a vital role in methanol production plants due to their unique combination of properties, including corrosion resistance, strength, and thermal stability. One of the primary uses of stainless in methanol production plants is for reactors and process vessels. Methanol production involves high- pressure reactions and the handling of corrosive chemicals and gases, such as synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide). Stainless steels, particularly those with high chromium and nickel content, exhibit excellent resistance to corrosion and chemical attack, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the reactors and vessels.
Stainless steels are also employed in piping systems within methanol plants. These systems transport feedstock gases, catalysts, and methanol throughout the facility. Stainless pipes and fittings provide reliable and durable conduits, capable of withstanding the high pressures, temperatures, and corrosive fluids involved in the methanol production process. Stainless steels are also used in heat exchangers and condensers within methanol plants. These components are responsible for efficient heat transfer and cooling during various stages of the process.
About this Featured Story
This Featured Story appeared in Stainless Steel World August 2023 magazine. To read many more articles like these on an (almost) monthly basis, subscribe to our magazine (available in print and digital format) – SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR DIGITAL VERSION ARE NOW FREE.
Every week we share a new Featured Story with our Stainless Steel community. Join us and let’s share your Featured Story on Stainless Steel World online and in print.
