- The project involves a €700 million investment to produce 150,000 tonnes of renewable methanol annually.
- Construction is set to begin in 2025, with industrial commissioning expected in early 2028.
- The project will capture CO2 from Lafarge's plant in Le Teil and use hydrogen produced via water electrolysis.
- The initiative aims to avoid 207,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Project Overview
Elyse Energy has announced the installation of an e-methanol production plant, eM-Rhône, at the Les Roches-Roussillon chemical platform in Isère, France. The project, selected by the European Innovation Fund, represents a total investment of approximately €700 million and aims to produce 150,000 tonnes of renewable methanol annually, substituting imported methanol with local production and avoiding 207,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Timeline and Construction
Construction of the eM-Rhône plant is scheduled to start in 2025, with industrial commissioning expected in early 2028. The preliminary consultation process is anticipated to begin in early 2024, ensuring public participation and stakeholder dialogue.
Partnerships and Technology
The project will utilize CO2 captured from Lafarge’s plant in Le Teil, as part of a partnership initiated in 2022 between Lafarge France and Elyse Energy. Hydrogen required for the methanol production will be generated through water electrolysis, powered by low-carbon electricity, at an electrolyser located on the platform.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The eM-Rhône project is expected to create around 80 direct and indirect jobs once operational, with hundreds more during the construction phase. It will contribute to the long-term viability of industrial assets at both the Roches-Roussillon chemical hub and the Le Teil site, while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Strategic Importance
This initiative is part of Elyse Energy’s broader eM-France programme, which aims to produce 500,000 tonnes of e-methanol in France. The project aligns with the OSIRIS Economic Interest Group’s decarbonisation efforts and leverages the expertise and infrastructure available at the Les Roches-Roussillon site.
