Classification and engineering consultancy RINA has awarded Kindon New Energy Technology (Jiangsu) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its innovative green methanol offshore production platform solution.
Produced entirely offshore, the methanol is derived from renewable CO2 through DAC (Direct Air Capture) technology and green hydrogen from offshore wind power water electrolysis technology.
Luigi Mattera, RINA Greater China Marine Operations Director said: “RINA works with and supports projects for a broad range of decarbonisation technologies. Almost all current methanol synthesis processes use CO2 from carbon capture from industry originated from fossil fuels. Using latest DAC technology, the AiP acknowledges that the methanol produced on this offshore production platform adheres to the strictest standards of green methanol.”
Wenbo Wang, CEO Kindon New Energy, added: “The entire process for methanol production uses genuinely green hydrogen, renewable carbon dioxide from DAC, and sustainable electricity. The concept provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels on the pathway to decarbonsation.”
The platform will produce 0.1 MTPA of green methanol. The process synthesises methanol from hydrogen and CO2 under high temperature and pressure conditions. All methanol synthesis processes are completed on the offshore platform and electrical needs fully met by green electricity generated from offshore wind power. By using DAC technology, the CO2 is readily available. However, the system is designed with interfaces for future access to external supplies of green or biomass-derived CO2.
Mattera concluded: “We are delighted to award Kindon this AiP. This innovative approach marks a significant step towards sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods in the marine and offshore industries.”
Image: Kindon New Energy Technology (Jiangsu) green methanol offshore production platform (source RINA)
