ICODOS, a startup from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has launched a new plant in Mannheim, Germany. This facility is designed to convert biogas from wastewater into climate-neutral methanol.
Europe has approximately 80,000 wastewater treatment plants, providing significant potential for climate-neutral methanol production. Methanol serves as a general-purpose chemical and can also be used as marine fuel.
The new facility uses green hydrogen to clean biogas generated at the treatment plant. Methanol is essential as shipping accounts for about three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. There is an urgent need for sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels.
A consortium, including KIT’s Institute of Micro Process Engineering, Institute of Automation and Applied Informatics, ICODOS, and Mannheim’s municipal wastewater utility, developed this demonstration plant. The initiative was inaugurated by Dr. Volker Wissing, Germany’s Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and Transport.
Minister Wissing emphasized the importance of exploring all technological options to achieve climate protection goals. He sees Germany as a potential leader in research and development. The Mannheim project showcases how economic efficiency can align with climate protection.
Professor Thomas Hirth from KIT noted that this plant exemplifies how research can lead to practical solutions for sustainability. He highlighted the innovative use of biogas produced during wastewater treatment.
ICODOS plans to work with additional wastewater treatment facilities to establish similar production sites, tapping into the potential of sustainable methanol production.
