New biomass-to-biomethanol project in California advances

U.S. project developer OroCarbo has selected France-based Haffner Energy’s renewable syngas solution, SYNOCA, for integration into a 100-tonne/day biomass-to-biomethanol project in California, using U.S.-based Maverick Synfuels’ syngas-to-methanol conversion technology.

It is understood that the project will require two SYNOCA 20 MW modules to convert residual biomass to syngas, integrated with syngas-to-methanol conversion technology in a single installation.

The initial contract is set to focus on the project’s carbon intensity (CI) study, to be conducted by AmSpec, a U.S.-based provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, marking the first milestone in the collaboration.

The biomethanol produced is to be used primarily to decarbonize maritime transport, and the plant’s commissioning is projected for early 2028.

As noted, OroCarbo is based in Oroville, California, where the farmland of the California Central Valley meets the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Forestry residues, from forest maintenance designed to prevent wildfires, and agricultural waste, are expected to enable the methanol plant to meet its production target.

Brian Wong, Founder and Managing Member of OroCarbo, said: “OroCarbo was formed during COVID to find solutions for our local abundance of biomass, at a time when heavy smoke-laden air from local wildfires coupled with face masks made breathing, the most basic human need, difficult. Since then, OroCarbo has explored many pathways to develop solutions that will be practical, reliable, and cost effective with methanol coming out as the clear winner. We are very excited to be working with Haffner Energy and Maverick SynFuels to help decarbonize the chemical and marine industries. OroCarbo’s goal is to offer high value solutions for our supply chain, our customers, and our community.”

Marcella Franchi, Haffner Energy’s Chief Commercial Officer, commented: “Renewable methanol is emerging as a competitive alternative to decarbonize maritime transport and chemical industries, as well as a hydrogen carrier. We’re excited to participate in this landmark project in California, which addresses local challenges such as wildfire prevention while utilizing abundant residual biomass.”

Sam Yenne, Co-founder and CEO of Maverick Synfuels, stated: “We, at Maverick, are excited to be working with Haffner Energy and their superior technology for generating high quality syngas from biomass. And Brian Wong has done an excellent job in bringing together all of the key players for a successful biomass-to-biomethanol project.”