We are pleased to announce that we have been selected as the partner laboratory for quality control testing at European Energy (EE) and Mitsui's pioneering e-methanol plant in Kassø, Denmark.
This state-of-the-art facility, with a nameplate capacity of 42,000 tonnes per annum (tpa), is nearing completion, with production set to commence in 2025.
What is e-methanol?
E-methanol is a sustainable form of methanol produced using renewable electricity, water and captured biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂). Unlike conventional methanol, which relies on fossil fuels (coal or gas), e-methanol offers a cleaner alternative for various applications, including shipping, aviation, road transport and chemical production.
The key benefits of e-methanol include its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, store renewable energy in liquid form and lower air pollution, when compared to conventional fuels. It can also be integrated into existing fuel infrastructure with minimal modifications, making it a scalable and versatile solution for decarbonizing multiple industries in the hard to abate sector.
Supporting sustainable operations
The e-methanol facility in Kassø marks a significant milestone in sustainable fuel development as Europe's largest e-methanol facility and the first of several similar plants planned by European Energy's Power-to-X (P2X) division.
With offtake agreements already in place with major container shipping companies and other tier one industrial offtakers, the plant is set to play a pivotal role in advancing the global energy transition.
We are proud to support this venture by providing a comprehensive suite of quality testing services to ensure the e-methanol meets the strict specifications of the International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association (IMPCA). Beyond testing, we are also training Kassø's plant operators in safe sampling and testing key parameters within their operator laboratory.
As part of this long-term partnership, we will deliver quantity and quality (Q&Q) inspection services during bunkering operations and conduct process water and environmental monitoring analyses. The e-methanol quality testing will be carried out by our ISO 9001 certified energy and chemicals laboratory in Hamburg, Germany, guaranteeing precision and reliability every step of the way.
"This project is an exciting milestone for our energy and chemical analytical teams," says Arjan Praat, Head of Energy and Chemical Laboratory Services at SGS. "The Kassø plant is the first e-methanol facility of this scale in Europe, paving the way for many similar projects. Using green electricity, water, and biogenic carbon dioxide as feedstocks, the potential for e-methanol is enormous. At SGS, sustainability and supporting the growth of the e-fuel and biofuel industries are central to our strategy, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this energy revolution."
"We are thrilled to be working with SGS as our quality control partner for the Kassø e-methanol plant," says Emil Vikjær-Andresen, EVP and Head of Power-to-X in European Energy. "Ensuring the highest quality standards is essential as we scale up the production of green fuels, and SGS's expertise in energy and chemical analysis will help us achieve this goal. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to pioneering Power-to-X solutions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy."
Through this collaboration with European Energy, we are reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and driving the energy transition.
About European Energy
European Energy is a global leader in the development, construction and operation of renewable energy projects, with a strong focus on the transition to green fuels and carbon neutrality. The company's Power-to-X division is at the forefront of developing sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, including e-methanol, as part of a broader commitment to shaping the future of energy.
About Mitsui & Co.
Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio covering a wide range of industries.
The company identifies, develops and grows its businesses in partnership with a global network of trusted partners including world leading companies, combining its geographic and cross-industry strengths to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.
Mitsui has set three key strategic initiatives for its current Mid-term Management Plan: supporting industries to grow and evolve with stable supplies of resources and materials, and providing infrastructure; promoting a global transition to low-carbon and renewable energy; and empowering people to lead healthy lives through the delivery of quality healthcare and access to good nutrition.
For further information, please contact:
Arjan Praat
Vice-President of Laboratory Services
SGS
t: +31-88-2143333
Ming Ou Lü
PR Manager
European Energy
t.: +45 31269376
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
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