Emvolon and Montauk Renewables, Inc. have announced a strategic joint venture aimed at developing multiple biogas-to-green methanol projects across the U.S. Building on a successful field demonstration, the two companies plan to roll out a series of biogas-based facilities with a combined production capacity of up to 50,000 metric tons of green methanol annually by 2030. The first project under this venture will be launched at the Atascocita Humble Renewable Energy (HRE) facility in Humble, Texas.
The HRE site will leverage Emvolon’s proprietary technology to convert flared gas into low-carbon methanol, with an expected annual output of up to 6,000 metric tons. Further projects are under consideration within Montauk’s development pipeline.
This partnership signals a pivotal shift in how biogas is utilized, moving beyond traditional uses like renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity generation. It opens new possibilities for decarbonizing industrial sectors by transforming methane emissions into a cleaner, more versatile fuel.
“Montauk continues to expand the horizon of the beneficial uses of biogas,” said Sean McClain, President and CEO of Montauk. “The opportunity set for this partnership is truly exciting and extends beyond new undeveloped projects to include the waste streams from existing biogas facilities.”
The collaboration is timely, as international demand for green methanol surges. In April, the International Maritime Organization implemented new net-zero regulations for ships over 5,000 gross tonnage — a sector responsible for 85% of global shipping-related greenhouse gas emissions. The Methanol Institute estimates that global green methanol demand could reach 14 million metric tons by 2030.
Emvolon and Montauk’s approach allows them to capture and convert methane emissions directly at the source, avoiding the need for costly pipeline infrastructure or government subsidies. This closed-loop solution offers a sustainable, low-emission alternative fuel that supports climate goals across multiple sectors.
“Emvolon’s technology platform repurposes car engines as cost-effective, modular chemical plants to convert the methane in biogas onsite into ready-to-use, easy-to-transport liquid green chemicals and fuels,” explained Dr. Emmanuel Kasseris, CEO of Emvolon. “Together with Montauk, we have the ability to not only eliminate flare emissions, but also transform those emissions into sustainable, revenue-generating resources that sectors critical to our global economy desperately need right now.”
