Perpetual Next Partners with Air Liquide for Biomethanol Production

Partnership and Technology

Perpetual Next has partnered with Air Liquide Engineering & Construction to enhance its biomethanol production capabilities. The collaboration focuses on utilizing Air Liquide's technology for syngas purification and methanol synthesis, forming a fully industrially proven production chain.

Biomethanol Production Process

The production process begins with torrefaction, a thermochemical conversion of organic waste in an oxygen-poor environment. This process is applied on an industrial scale at Perpetual Next's facilities in Dilsen Stokkem, Belgium, and Vägari, Estonia. The torrefied biocarbon produced has properties similar to fossil carbon, making it suitable for syngas production through conventional gasification technologies.

Gasification and Synthesis

Perpetual Next employs Entrained Flow gasification technology, known for producing high-quality syngas with minimal tar formation. This technology is chosen for its efficiency and minimal sensitivity to mineral presence. The final step involves syngas purification and methanol synthesis, facilitated by Air Liquide's expertise in methanol plant design and construction.

Facility Development

Perpetual Next is developing biomethanol production facilities in Delfzijl and Moerdijk in the Netherlands, Vägari in Estonia, and Florida in the USA. Each facility is designed to have a production capacity of 220,000 tons per year. Biomethanol serves as a direct replacement for fossil methanol, a crucial raw material in various industries, including plastics, paints, and cosmetics, and as a fuel for ships and vehicles.