Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

thyssenkrupp Uhde to Study Biomass-to-Methanol Integration for Nova Sustainable Fuels in Canada

Key highlights
  • The project aims to produce 450,000 metric tons of bio-methanol annually using sustainable woody biomass.
  • NSF plans to start construction in 2028 and expects the project to be operational by 2031.
  • The project received its first environmental assessment approval in December 2025.
  • NSF will use over 1 GW of renewable electricity from planned solar and wind farms.

Project Overview

thyssenkrupp Uhde has been contracted by Nova Sustainable Fuels (NSF) to conduct an integration and optimization study for a biomass-to-methanol project in Nova Scotia, Canada. The project aims to produce over 450,000 metric tons of methanol annually using sustainable woody biomass as feedstock.

Technology and Goals

The study will evaluate the integration of Uhde’s PRENFLO gasification technology with its advanced methanol synthesis process. The goal is to validate the benefits of system integration and assess the project's future bankability, providing a foundation for investment decisions.

Decarbonization Efforts

NSF plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel and renewable methanol to help decarbonize the transportation and shipping industries. The project will utilize a fully integrated clean-energy system, combining over 1 GW of renewable electricity from planned solar and wind farms with local sustainable biomass and water.

Timeline and Approvals

Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with the project becoming operational by 2031. The first environmental assessment approval was received in December 2025, marking a significant milestone in the project's development.