India has announced its first CO2 to green methanol plant.
Ohmium International, Breathe Applied Sciences, Spirare Energy, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have collaborated on the project.
The project will combine green hydrogen from Ohmium PEM electrolyzers with CO2 captured from the Singareni Thermal Power Plant to produce green methanol.
Researchers at Breathe Applied Sciences and JNCASR in India developed a process for synthesizing green methanol from CO2 emissions. Spirare Energy partnered with Ohmium to procure the PEM electrolyzer solution, an important component of the overall project.
“Converting CO2 from coal-based thermal power to green methanol can significantly advance decarbonization and sustainability,” said Sebastian Peter, Professor, JNCASR and also co-Founder, Breathe Applied Sciences. He was the project leader of the CO2-to-Green Methanol plant from JNCASR. “We are excited to see our research applied in this pioneering project and looking forward to seeing it scale.”
Suhas Bhasin, CEO, Spirare Energy, said, “Ohmium is a trusted partner. We have worked with them previously and appreciate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their product. Their hyper modular design helps streamline installation and scaling.”
Arne Ballantine, CEO, Ohmium International, said “This is our second project with Spirare Energy, and a very important one, as green methanol has the potential to significantly advance India’s energy independence and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Building on our previous success, this follow-on project demonstrates our joint dedication to India’s energy future.”
Methanol is commonly used as a fuel or as a raw material in various industrial processes. Reducing or eliminating the carbon content of methanol production helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Technologies for converting CO2 to green methanol can also help decarbonize various sectors including the coal-based thermal power sector.
Ohmium has established itself as a strong PEM electrolyzer leader in India, including through collaborations with major industry players such as NTPC and Tata Projects. In July 2024, Ohmium celebrated the launch of its Gigafactory in Bangalore, and in August, Ohmium was selected for Tranche II of MNRE’s SIGHT Incentive Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing India’s green hydrogen ecosystem.
