Environmental assessment report

Renewable methanol (MeOH) is considered an important fuel for hard-to-abate transport sectors and a key platform chemical for the defossilisation of products and services. The ēQATOR concept enables the production of renewable MeOH from biogas (CH₄ + CO₂) derived from biomass residues and biogenic waste. The biogas will first be transformed via a reforming reaction into syngas (CO + H2) in electrically-heated catalytic reactors, followed by the actual MeOH synthesis in a second step. The reforming reaction requires high heat input at elevated temperatures, conventionally supplied by methane combustion (usually in the form of natural gas, but biomethane would also possible).

A comprehensive integrated life cycle sustainability assessment will be completed to support informed decision-making for both technology development and policy frameworks. The assessment will be based on three separate analyses of the classical pillars of sustainability, environmental, social and economic. The present study specifically addresses the environmental performance of the ēQATOR concept. A screening-type prospective Life Cycle Assessment has evaluated the extent to which the ēQATOR concept can contribute to a more sustainable MeOH supply. The assessment follows ISO 14040 and 14044 and applies a cradle-to-grave perspective. Key environmental impact categories are analysed for 2030 and 2050 using projected European electricity mixes, consumables and infrastructure. Environmental hotspots, optimisation potentials and differences between ēQATOR configurations have been identified. The production of ēQATOR MeOH is compared with that for fossil-fuel derived MeOH and renewable MeOH by alternative pathways, including biogas upgrading, other hybrid reforming options and fully synthetic MeOH from direct air capture of CO2 and water electrolysis. Further analyses consider the availability of renewable resources in relation to future MeOH demand, as well as the classification and greenhouse gas (GHG) performance of ēQATOR MeOH under the EU legislative framework (Renewable Energy Directive).

The results show that all renewable MeOH pathways — including hybrid concepts such as ēQATOR —offer significant environmental benefits compared with fossil-fuel derived MeOH production, particularly when low-carbon electricity is used. Hybrid pathways combining biogenic carbon from waste- and residue-derived biogas with renewable electricity utilise the available carbon more efficiently than purely bio-based routes. Compared with fully synthetic MeOH, hybrid pathways require less renewable electricity. Given the limited availability of sustainable carbon sources and renewable electricity, these hybrid routes therefore represent the most efficient long-term option. Nevertheless, all renewable pathways will be needed to meet future demand, supplemented by measures to reduce overall MeOH consumption.

For both hybrid and synthetic pathways, the carbon intensity of the electricity supply dominates the environmental performance, whereas process choices (e.g., heating technology and reforming configuration), infrastructure and materials play only a secondary role. The choice of biomass feedstock is also of secondary importance, when considering that it is currently already in use. Additional environmental benefits can be achieved by using previously untapped manure. Especially when using fully renewable electricity, additional optimisation lies in reducing methane emissions from biogas systems, mitigating hydrogen emissions and carefully managing environmental side effects associated with renewable energy deployment. While ēQATOR MeOH can be classified as co-production of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin, achievement of the required GHG emission savings strongly depends on the type of biomass residue or biogenic waste used and on the emission intensity of the electricity supply.