A new public-private partnership is investigating the use of sewage sludge to produce green methanol in South Africa. The International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2Uppp) and FEV, together with INM and Green e-Fuels Producers (GeFP), have agreed to set up a circular architecture at a site in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Sewage sludge will be treated and decomposed into fertiliser byproducts, water, short chain hydrocarbons, and CO2. The derived water will partially be used for electrolysis to produce green hydrogen using solar PV-generated electricity. The carbon source will then feed into synthesizing green methanol.
Mixed Bio- and E-Fuel Production
During periods of minimal renewable energy supply, methanol can be produced from biomass conversion, resulting in biofuel. When renewable energy is abundantly available, green hydrogen can be produced through electrolysis, resulting in e-methanol. The product will be a mix of methanol from biomass conversion (BtX) and electrolysis and synthesis (PtX), improving competitiveness. Smart management and monitoring systems must prove the mass balance between BtX and PtX pathways for certification purposes.
Tackling Pre-Feasibility Questions
The project aims to sharpen the business model through various analyses. These include classifying and certifying mixed bio- and e-fuel products under EU legislation, assessing sewage sludge availability at potential replication sites in South Africa, evaluating transport quantities to export destinations, and exploring long-term supply contractual arrangements. Market potential for surplus byproducts and determining renewable fuel prices for long-term offtake will also be examined.
Expected Results
The results will refine the concept’s scope for implementation at further project sites. Sewage sludge is available at various sites in South Africa. This can be used for green methanol production. It is clear that the relevance of using this unavoidable biowaste extends beyond South Africa.
First time in South Africa
The project is one of H2Uppp’s two first public-private partnerships in South Africa. H2Uppp is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy to pave the way for companies to develop the green hydrogen market.
FEV is a globally leading engineering service provider and innovation driver for various industries. The company supplies technological and strategic solutions for the entire transportation and mobility ecosystem as well as the aerospace and energy sectors.
GreenE-Fuels producers is a provider of green fuel solutions based on wastewater and renewables.
INM Operations is a project developer based in the Netherlands.
