The team behind the novel e-methanol plant in Mannheim
Dr. Vidal Vazquez, ICODOS technical director, said: “We are proud to present the world’s first plant that uses electricity to convert wastewater into sustainable marine fuel.”
David Strittmatter, ICODOS commercial director, noted: “This technology will sustainably change the shipping industry and makes a decisive contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.”
At Mannheim’s sewage treatment plant, biogas is processed using a KIT-ICODOS system. Their patented technology purifies biogas and converts it into methanol with hydrogen produced via electrolysis. The process captures CO2 from biogas, reducing emissions, and yields “e-methanol” for shipping fuel, turning wastewater into a valuable energy source.
Professor Thomas Hirth, KIT Vice President, said: “The new facility impressively demonstrates how research and entrepreneurship can produce practical solutions for the sustainable transformation of our economy. Here, a valuable material is obtained from biogas that is produced during wastewater treatment – an innovative approach that shows how existing resources can be used intelligently and in a climate-friendly manner.”
With maritime transport emitting significant greenhouse gases, sustainable e-fuels are vital. This project positions wastewater plants as green fuel hubs, offering a cost-effective, scalable solution compared to other technologies, ideal for rapid expansion in Europe.
