JM technology to power one of Europe’s largest e-methanol plants
Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies, has announced that its eMERALD™ e-methanol technology has been selected for the La Robla Nueva Energía (NE) project, led by Reolum in Castilla y León, Spain. JM’s eMERALD™ technology, established in 2011, offers a low-risk and energy-efficient route to produce e-methanol. This marks JM’s 15th major energy transition project since 2022, as the company strives to meet its goal of 20 sustainable technology wins by 2025-26.
The facility will be one half of an integrated green energy generation project called La Robla Green. This project is made up of two cutting-edge facilities: Roblum, a green energy generation plant that will power more than 50,000 households – and La Robla NE, an e-methanol plant. La Robla NE blends the CO₂ extracted from the biomass plant with green hydrogen to produce e-methanol.
This facility will be one of Europe’s largest e-methanol production plants, targeting an annual capacity of 140 kilotonnes and planned to be operational by the end of 2027.
E-methanol is an increasingly important product in decarbonising two hard to abate sectors – the chemicals industry and heavy transport, like shipping. The project is supported by the European Investment Bank and a Final Investment Decision is expected in 2025.
Supporting decarbonisation and Just Transition
The project is located in Spain’s “Just Transition Zones,” regions designated for economic regeneration after the decline of coal mining and thermal power plants. It aligns with the European Union’s Just Transition Mechanism, designed to ensure a fair and sustainable move towards a low-carbon economy.
Alberto Giovanzana, managing director of Johnson Matthey’s Catalyst Technologies Licencing, said: “Johnson Matthey’s technology is leading the way in how heavy industries will be able to decarbonise in the coming years. Our eMERALD process and catalyst efficiently convert renewable resources into e-methanol.
“We’re delighted to hit another of our milestones, working alongside Reolum on a transformational project for the region.”
“This project represents the implementation of innovative business models that are at the core of Reolum’s mission. For this reason, we have been extremely meticulous in selecting our partners. We are very pleased to collaborate with a leading company like Johnson Matthey and firmly believe that we are setting a milestone in decarbonisation,” said Yann Dumont, CEO of Spain’s Reolum. Reolum’s activities range from renewable energy generation, green hydrogen, and green e-methanol production to CO₂ capture, as well as biomass-based cogeneration of electricity and heat, and biomass supply.
