European Energy Launches Bio-Methanol From Electrified Steam Methane Reforming, Cutting Costs and Carbon Footprint
* New e-SMR process integrates renewable electricity and biogas feedstocks to produce low-cost, low-carbon green methanol.
* The technology boosts flexibility and energy independence, enabling Europe to scale affordable clean fuels for hard-to-abate sectors.
European Energy has unveiled its latest innovation -- bio-methanol produced via electrified steam methane reforming (e-SMR) -- marking a new milestone in the race to decarbonize global fuel production. The company, already operating its flagship Kassø e-Methanol Facility in Denmark, says the e-SMR pathway represents a "next generation" step in Power-to-X technology, combining renewable electricity with biogas feedstocks to produce low-cost green methanol for industries such as shipping and aviation.
"We're changing how we source the ingredients for our green methanol -- now also using biogas as feedstock. This new pathway gives us maximum flexibility, allowing us to tailor methanol production to what's locally available and deliver the lowest-cost green methanol with a highly competitive carbon footprint," the company said.
Developed in collaboration with SYPOX, the e-SMR process reduces overall electricity demand by partially replacing hydrogen from electrolysis with hydrogen derived from biogas reforming. This hybrid configuration lowers costs in power-constrained regions and eliminates the need for a separate CO₂ supply. The resulting methanol can qualify as an advanced biofuel under the EU's RED III Annex IX when based on residues such as manure or straw -- and as a renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBO) when powered by renewable electricity. Lifecycle emissions are expected to fall by 70-120% compared to fossil methanol, with negative carbon intensity possible when using manure-based biogas.
The technology offers a new economic and environmental benchmark for green fuels, bringing renewable methanol close to price parity with fossil methanol when carbon pricing is included.
"Green fuels are essential because climate solutions are urgent -- and so is the need for energy independence built on renewables," European Energy's statement continued. "We've already proven one way forward at Kassø, and now we're taking the next step -- making another way of transforming green electrons into green molecules into reality."
The company expects the e-SMR route to play a central role in its future Power-to-X expansion strategy, helping Europe strengthen its supply of sustainable methanol for marine, industrial, and synthetic fuel markets.