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Powering Thailand’s green future: How methanol technologies can drive decarbonisation
Ratchadaporn Yodthong
Thailand is entering a decisive phase in its energy transition. With ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and netzero GHG emissions by 2065(1), the country is actively exploring innovative technologies to decarbonise its industrial and energy sectors. Among the most promising solutions is clean methanol, a sustainable fuel and chemical feedstock produced from renewable hydrogen (H 2 ) and captured carbon dioxide (CO2).
At the forefront of this transformation is thyssenkrupp Uhde, a global leader in chemical engineering. Its advanced Clean Methanol and Methanol-to-X technologies offer Thailand a strategic pathway to cleaner energy, reduced emissions, and industrial innovation.
The Case For Clean Methanol In Thailand
Clean methanol presents a compelling opportunity for Thailand to meet its climate goals while strengthening energy security. Produced from renewable hydrogen and captured CO₂, clean methanol serves multiple roles:
• A clean energy and hydrogen carrier
• A sustainable transport fuel for the mobility sector
• A medium for storing surplus renewable electricity.
Clean methanol also acts as a climate-friendly feedstock for Thailand’s chemical industry, replacing new fossil-based fuels in the production of plastics, paints, building materials, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and disinfectants. This supports both industrial innovation and avoids the consumption of additional fossil resources, such as coal, oil or gas.
Thailand currently imports over 2 million tons of methanol annually(2), directly produced from fossil feedstocks, primarily for use in solvents, coatings and chemical synthesis. Transitioning to domestically produced clean methanol, by either recycled CO₂ or by biogenic, renewable carbon sources could significantly improve the country’s climate footprint while enhancing energy security.
A recent life cycle assessment conducted by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi revealed that CO₂-based methanol production using renewable energy could reduce emissions from Thailand’s industrial processes by up to 75 per cent, while generating $5.4 billion in economic value from cement industry CO₂ emissions alone.(3)
THYSSENKRUPP UHDE’S CLEAN METHANOL TECHNOLOGY
thyssenkrupp Uhde’s proprietary Uhde Methanol technology synthesises methanol from green hydrogen and captured CO₂, offering a climate-friendly alternative to conventional fossil-based methods. The hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis (e.g. alkaline water electrolysis)(4), a highly efficient process powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, and geothermal.
This technology has already been selected for major projects in Europe, including the Koppö Energia e-methanol plant in Finland, which will produce 450 metric tons per day of green methanol for maritime and e-gasoline markets.(5) The success of such projects demonstrates the scalability and reliability of thyssenkrupp Uhde’s solutions.
METHANOL-TO-X: UNLOCKING NEW VALUE CHAINS
Beyond its role as a fuel, methanol is a versatile building block for a wide range of chemical products, and thyssenkrupp Uhde’s Methanol-to-X approach enables the conversion of methanol into various downstream products, including:
• Formaldehyde, used in resins and plastics
• Olefins, for packaging and textiles
• Biodiesel, for transportatioN
• Synthetic fuels, for aviation and shipping
One of the most notable Methanol-to-X projects is ENOWA’s Hydrogen Innovation and Development Center (HIDC) in Saudi Arabia which, once completed, will produce 12 tons of methanol and 35 barrels of e-gasoline per day.(6) This project exemplifies how methanol can serve as a strategic molecule in the global energy transition.
For Thailand, Methanol-to-X technologies align perfectly with the country’s Bio-CircularGreen Economy (BCG) model, supporting sustainable industrial growth while reducing dependence on fossil imports.
STRATEGIC COLLABORATION: PTT, THYSSENKRUPP UHDE, AND GIZ
In a landmark move to accelerate Thailand’s green energy transition, PTT Plc, thyssenkrupp Uhde (Thailand), and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) signed a cooperation agreement under the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme (H2Uppp).
This public-private partnership, titled “Opportunity for Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Carbon-Based Products in Southern Thailand”, aims to explore and develop green hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) technologies, including e-methanol, as part of Thailand’s decarbonisation strategy.
The collaboration will conduct a conceptual study to assess resource availability, market potential, and technical feasibility for PtX products. These include methane and methanol, which are not only technical outputs but also building blocks of a cleaner, more resilient economy.
PTT is currently developing a study for a green methanol facility with a potential production capacity of up to 2 million tons annually.(7) This project would utilise captured CO₂ from petrochemical industry and renewable hydrogen, powered by clean energy sources, to produce methanol for use in fuels, chemicals, and industrial applications.
This partnership combines PTT’s leadership in energy, thyssenkrupp Uhde’s chemical engineering expertise, and GIZ’s international development experience – forming a strong foundation for a thriving green hydrogen and PtX economy in Thailand.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Despite its potential, green methanol production faces several challenges. Currently, it is more expensive than conventional fossil-based methods, and scaling up will require significant investment and policy support.
However, the long-term benefits – including reduced emissions, enhanced energy security, and industrial competitiveness –far outweigh the initial costs. Strategic incentives, carbon pricing mechanisms, and public-private partnerships will be essential to accelerate adoption.
thyssenkrupp Uhde’s integrated solutions –covering engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and technology licensing – ensure smooth project delivery and long-term operational success. Its experience in cross-sector integration, demonstrated in European projects, positions it as a valuable partner for Thailand’s green transition.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Thailand charts its path toward a low-carbon future, green methanol and Methanol-to-X technologies offer a compelling solution. With thyssenkrupp Uhde’s proven expertise and strategic partnerships, Thailand can transform its industrial landscape, reduce emissions, and unlock new economic opportunities.
Needless to say, the time to act is now. The technologies are proven, the partnerships are in place, and the vision is clear. By embracing green methanol, Thailand can power a sustainable future, one molecule at a time.
Contact details:
Ratchadaporn Yodthong
Business Development Manager
thyssenkrupp Uhde (Thailand) Ltd.,
Tel: +66 99 653 6445
ratchadaporn.yodthong@thyssenkrupp.com
www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com/thailand
(1)ONEP,2022,https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/thailand/net-zero-targets/
(2)https://www.reportlinker.com/clp/country/522075/726412
(3)"Life Cycle Assessment of CO₂-Based and Conventional Methanol Production Pathways in Thailand" by Adeel Rafiq, Ahsan Farooq, and Shabbir H. Gheewala, 31 August 2024, https://www.mdpi.com/ 2227-9717/12/9/1868
(5)https://www.world-energy.org/article/51720.html
(7)https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2767278/ptt-studying-production-of-greenmethanol
