Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Port of Moerdijk and Perpetual Next to Build Biomethanol Plant

Key highlights
  • Perpetual Next will build a 220,000-tonne biomethanol plant at Industrial Park Moerdijk by mid-2025.
  • The Port of Moerdijk will facilitate connections to local hydrogen and oxygen grids.
  • Perpetual Next has secured feedstock for 440,000 tonnes of biomethanol production in the US and Europe.
  • Demand for biomethanol is increasing globally.

Biomethanol Plant Development

Perpetual Next and the Port of Moerdijk Authority have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on constructing a biomethanol plant at Industrial Park Moerdijk. The plant, with a capacity of 220,000 tonnes, is scheduled to be operational by mid-2025. The Port Authority will assist by connecting the plant to local hydrogen and oxygen grids and facilitating partnerships for by-product sales and feedstock supply.

Strategic Location and Sustainability

The Port of Moerdijk, the most inland seaport in the Netherlands, hosts numerous chemical and heavy industrial businesses. It emphasizes sustainability and the green chemical industry. Perpetual Next, already established in Moerdijk with a digestion plant converting food waste into biogas, has been granted a license to refine this biogas into green gas.

Rising Demand for Biomethanol

René Buwalda, CEO of Perpetual Next, highlights the growing global demand for biomethanol, which the company aims to capitalize on with the new plant. In July, Perpetual Next secured feedstock for producing 440,000 tonnes of biomethanol annually in the US and Europe.

Future Prospects

Perpetual Next and US-based TSI have agreed to produce large reactors for torrefaction, enhancing biomass suitability as a semi-finished product. Buwalda anticipates finalizing an agreement with the Moerdijk Port Authority soon, positioning the new plant as a leader in global biomethanol production.