The world’s first commercial-scale e-methanol facility is now operational in Kassø, Denmark, marking a significant leap in the global transition to low-emission fuels. The €150 million plant, a joint venture between European Energy (51%) and Japan’s Mitsui & Co. (49%), will produce 42,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually—equivalent to 53 million litres—using 100% renewable energy.
Powered by the adjacent 304 MW Kassø Solar Park, the facility converts green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂—sourced from biogas and waste incineration—into carbon-neutral fuel. This makes it one of the most advanced examples of Power-to-X technology in commercial operation.
“This is renewable energy in action, transforming how we use electricity,” said Knud Erik Andersen, CEO of European Energy.
Major industrial players including A.P. Moller – Maersk, the LEGO Group, and Novo Nordisk are among the first to integrate Kassø’s e-methanol into their operations. Maersk plans to use the fuel in its dual-fuel vessels, including the methanol-powered Laura Maersk. Although the vessel consumes just 3,600 tonnes annually, Kassø’s full capacity could power a large container ship on an entire Asia-Europe round trip.
LEGO will incorporate e-methanol-based materials into selected components like cross axles and connectors later this year, while Novo Nordisk sees the partnership as a key step in reducing the environmental impact of its pharmaceutical supply chain.
In addition to its global role, the plant also benefits the local community. Excess heat generated from e-methanol production will supply district heating to 3,300 homes in the region.
Industry leaders are celebrating the facility’s launch but stress the urgency of scaling up. “It’s a literal drop in the ocean,” said Emil Vikjar-Andresen, Head of Power-to-X at European Energy. “We need to scale up and reduce costs to have real impact.”
Takashi Furutani, Senior Executive Managing Officer at Mitsui, emphasized the broader vision: “Kassø exemplifies the importance of international collaboration in scaling low-emission solutions.”
As the world searches for scalable, clean fuel alternatives, the Kassø facility stands as a working model for what’s possible—where technology, industry, and sustainability intersect.
