Uniper files environmental permit for NorthStarH2 e‑methanol project
- Uniper submitted the environmental permit application to the Land and Environment Court in Östersund on 6 November.
- The project targets production of around 115,000 tonnes per year of e‑methanol, with the application covering up to 130,000 t/y capacity.
- The facility could enable reuse of around 160,000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually and supply shipping, aviation and chemical feedstock markets.
- Final investment decision is scheduled for 2028, with commissioning currently planned to begin in 2031.
Project overview
Uniper has applied for an environmental permit for NorthStarH2, a planned e‑methanol facility intended to produce renewable fuel and chemical feedstock from renewable electricity and biogenic carbon dioxide.
Capacity and feedstock
The company plans production of around 115,000 tonnes of e‑methanol per year, while the permit application covers a capacity of up to 130,000 t/y; the project could enable reuse of approximately 160,000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually and target markets including shipping, aviation and the chemical industry.
Regulatory status
The application seeks approval under Chapters 9 and 11 of the Swedish Environmental Code; the facility is subject to upper‑tier Seveso requirements under the Swedish Act (1999:381) on major chemical accidents and is classified as an industrial emissions installation under the Swedish Industrial Emissions Ordinance (2013:250). The application is under review by the Land and Environment Court.
Timeline and regional impact
Uniper states the project supports renewable fuel development for hard‑to‑decarbonize sectors and could strengthen regional jobs and energy security in the Nordics and Europe; the final investment decision is scheduled for 2028 with commissioning planned to begin in 2031.
Source: Uniper