HIF Global in Uruguay Selects Johnson Matthey's Methanol Technology

HIF Global, a prominent eFuels company, has chosen Johnson Matthey (JM), renowned for its sustainable technologies, as the methanol licensor for the Paysandú eFuels project in Uruguay. This initiative will establish the largest e-methanol plant in South America, utilizing electrolytic (green) hydrogen and waste CO2 from an ethanol facility to manufacture e-methanol. Leveraging renewable feedstocks, e-methanol production offers a greener alternative to traditional methanol, contributing to lower carbon emissions.

JM's eMERALD technology for e-methanol production has demonstrated its effectiveness in decarbonizing methanol manufacturing. This proven technology will be implemented at the HIF Paysandú eFuels facility, with an anticipated annual production capacity of 700,000 tonnes of e-methanol. The e-methanol will serve to meet the escalating demand in the marine sector and will also be utilized as a feedstock for producing e-gasoline through a methanol-to-gasoline process. This will enable the decarbonization of more than 150,000 vehicles.

This partnership is an extension of the fruitful demonstration of the eMERALD technology at the HIF Haru Oni eFuels facility. JM licenses its technology and provides the catalyst for this facility. The demonstration plant has operated successfully for more than 12 months, producing methanol that undergoes further processing into gasoline.

Furthermore, HIF Global has revealed its plans for additional eFuels projects in the US, Tasmania, and Chile. JM is already collaborating with HIF Global to facilitate the progress of these ventures.

With an investment of $4 billion, HIF Global's initiative marks the largest investment in Uruguay's history. Construction of the plant is scheduled for 2025 and is projected to generate around 1,500 jobs during its construction phase, along with an additional 300 permanent operational positions.

Alberto Giovanzana, Managing Director of CT Licensing at Johnson Matthey, commented: "The demand for sustainable methanol fuels is escalating rapidly, offering a significant pathway to decarbonize various sectors including shipping and road transport. With JM's leading expertise in methanol synthesis technology and catalyst supply, we bring a wealth of experience to the methanol industry. We are excited to further our collaboration with HIF to contribute our e-methanol technology to this promising project."

Victor Turpaud, CEO of HIF Latam, stated: "eFuels serve as substitutes for fossil fuels and are essential for the decarbonization of global transportation. Our successful demonstration of eFuels production, utilizing green hydrogen and recycled CO2 with Johnson Matthey's technology at our Haru Oni eFuels facility in southern Chile, underscores the viability of this approach. Strengthening our partnership with Johnson Matthey underscores the significance of enduring relationships to HIF and our shared objectives."