Nextchem’s technologies for methanol to power a sustainable energy future

As the world races toward a carbon-neutral future, methanol emerges as a cornerstone of the global energy transition. Its unique versatility, compatibility with existing infrastructure, and potential for low-carbon production make it a powerful ally in redefining how we power industries, transport, and economies.

In MAIRE, the Italian technology and engineering group which counts on 10,000 people across 50 countries, we see methanol not just as a molecule but as a catalyst for change. Through our technology division NEXTCHEM and our engineering & construction unit TECNIMONT we develop and implement innovative solutions and provide integrated E&C services for the energy transition.

This is our vision to lead the global decarbonisation path for a sustainable, circular economy thanks both to our impeccable execution of large-scale projects, and our technological portfolio which boasts 30 market-ready proprietary technologies protected by 2,500 patents.

Methanol’s strength lies in its dual role as both a vital industrial feedstock and a clean energy carrier. For decades, it has been a backbone of the chemical industry, producing essentials industrial applications which still drive roughly 60% of its global demand. Yet, its potential extends far beyond these traditional solutions.

Today, methanol is stepping into the spotlight as a low-carbon fuel, powering ships, vehicles, and even fuel cells. The shipping industry, in particular, is embracing methanol as a cleaner alternative to heavy fuel oils, with methanol-fueled vessels already navigating global waters – a testament to its scalability and practicality.

True promise of methanol

The true promise of methanol lies in its adaptability. It can be produced from a range of feedstocks, from natural gas and coal to biomass, municipal waste, and captured CO₂. This flexibility opens the door to low-carbon production models that align with global decarbonisation goals. At Nextchem, we are harnessing this potential through innovative technologies like the AdWinMethanol Zero which embodies different solutions for low-carbon, circular and green methanol production.

The global methanol market reflects this momentum. In 2024, production reached 89.5 million tons per year, with projections estimating growth to 113 million tons by 2034. While traditional applications will continue to grow steadily, methanol’s use as a marine fuel is expected to surge 17-fold, driven by the shipping sector’s push for decarbonisation.

Projects like Pacifico Mexinol facility in Mexico, which is poised to be the largest facility of ultra-low carbon methanol globally, based on our AdWinMethanol Zero technology, illustrates how sustainable methanol can bridge industrial innovation with environmental and economic sustainability.

Decarbonising every day products

The methanol produced by Pacifico Mexinol will facilitate the decarbonisation of hundreds of downstream everyday products, such as fuels, plastics, paints, car parts and construction materials. Our technological contribution to this project represents the largest single award ever granted to Nextchem and provides further evidence of the reliability of our technology portfolio.

AdWinMethanol Zero solution further minimizes carbon emissions to nearly zero by converting captured CO2 and green hydrogen into ultra-low-carbon methanol eligible RFNBO (Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin). Ultra-low carbon methanol supports the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate fuels and chemicals sectors.

However, the journey is not without challenges. Scaling low-carbon methanol production requires overcoming hurdles like securing renewable feedstocks, advancing green hydrogen infrastructure, and navigating regulatory landscapes. Yet these challenges are also opportunities—to innovate, collaborate, and reshape markets for a sustainable future, as methanol’s ability to connect industries, reduce emissions, and adapt to diverse applications makes it pivotal in the global energy scenario.

Nextchem’s mission is to lead the energy transition path through innovative technologies that enable a carbon-neutral and circular economy. Methanol is a key part of that vision and it’s ready to help power the next phase of progress.