BASF and Forestal collaborate on advanced e-methanol production using OASE® technology in Galicia, Spain

Mugardos, Spain  — BASF and Forestal de Atlántico S.A. (Forestal) have signed an early disclosure agreement (EDA) aimed at advancing the production of e-methanol (eMeOH) through carbon capture solutions. Under this strategic partnership, BASF has been selected to share its proprietary OASE® blue technology, designed for the efficient removal of CO2 from flue gases, for use in Forestal’s pioneering Triskelion project in Galicia, Spain. The Triskelion project is set to be a game-changer, with a design capacity of 156 metric tons per day of e-methanol production. The CO2 captured from the exhaust gases of electricity generating turbines will be transformed into e-methanol by reacting it with renewable hydrogen, highlighting an innovative approach to a more sustainable fuel production.

The EDA facilitates the essential input from BASF for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED), which will be developed by a third-party contractor hired by Forestal. This process will enable Forestal to assess the project’s clarity, vision, technical feasibility and economic viability, allowing them to share the design with other contractors for competitive construction bids.

With the OASE portfolio, BASF is an established leader in gas treatment technology which is used in over 500 reference plants worldwide, and is committed to providing support throughout the FEED preparation. Forestal has selected the OASE blue technology to efficiently separate CO2 from the exhaust gases of electricity-generating turbines for use in e-methanol synthesis.

“This partnership addresses the critical need for innovative solutions in carbon capture and utilization, marking a significant stride towards reducing global emissions,” said Torsten Katz, Global Business Director, OASE Gas Treating Technologies, in BASF’s Intermediates division. “By collaborating with Forestal, we are setting the foundation for one of the first plants to produce e-methanol using our OASE technology, entering into an innovative sustainable application area for our OASE blue technology.”

“By utilizing CO2 captured from our production processes, we are embracing a more sustainable approach to fuel production,” stated Andrés Fuentes, CEO of Forestal del Atlántico. “This partnership with BASF not only enhances our capabilities but also contributes to the development of sustainable fuels, particularly in the maritime industry.”

The Triskelion project stands to be a pioneering facility in the production of e-methanol using BASF’s OASE blue technology. e-methanol represents a more sustainable source of methanol and is seen as a crucial step in the effective utilization of carbon capture technology. It offers a more sustainable fuel alternative for industrial transportation, including international shipping, and serves as a raw material for various chemical synthesis processes.   

About OASE®

With more than 50 years of experience, BASF offers its customers efficient gas treating solutions for a variety of applications such as natural gas, synthesis gas, flue gas and biogas. Worldwide, these solutions have been proven and demonstrated in about 500 reference plants. BASF markets its range of gas treating technologies, the corresponding solvents and complete technical services including the digital platform OASE connect under the brand OASE – Gas Treating Excellence by BASF. The OASE products are part of the system solutions that make a significant contribution to sustainability in the value chain. Compared to conventional technologies, OASE offers high efficiency in gas treatment and thus makes important contributions to conserving resources and reducing emissions by saving energy.